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Photographic 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

UUBBCTBQJUy.   14SS0 

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w^ 


r 


^.  I 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

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CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


'^ 


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a 
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28X 


Zl 

32X 


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empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaTtra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
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symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


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et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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IK   FOUH  BOOKS. 


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THE 


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BACKSLIDER, 

A  DESCRIPTIVE  MOEAI^ 


POEM, 


f 


IN    FOUR    BOOKS. 


V** 


BY  JOSHUA  MARSDEN.  I 

Late  Missionari/  to  Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick 

and  Bermuda* 


Where  is  the  blessedness  ye  spake  of.     Paul. 


PLYMOUTH.DOCK; 

Printed  and  Sold  by  J,  JO  HNS ^  53,  St,  Auhyri'-Strtet  j 

SOLD  ALSO   BT 

W.  Kent,  High-Holborn ;  Wiiliam  Booth,   Duke*Street, 
Manchester-Square  J   Bruce,  City-Road;   Bains,  Pa- 
ternoster-Row ;  and  by  Thomas  Bi<ANCii4UU«, 
City-Road,  Londop...        '  v  ,      ', 


1815.  * 


A  V 


*         * 


'Ol 


it'dg 


•    t     • 

. ,  •••  • 


•  •  • 

•  ••• 


PREFACE. 


_.  N  committing  this  little  poem  to  the  press,  1  hate 
neither  the  ignorance  to  suppose  it  without  faults,  nor 
the  vatiity  of  zsishing  it  to  be  admired  without  exceU 
lencies  ;  should  it  possess  but  little  poetical  merit,  the 
subject,  to  those  who  fear  God,  must  nevertheless  be 
interesting.     Every  Christian  Minuter  and  good  mm 
must  feel  pained,  that  so  viany  deluded  by  sin,  should 
ieave  the  fold  of  God,  and  wander  from  the  path  <^ 
piety  :  and  more  so,  as  it  is  to  be  feared,  that  many 
wander,  who  never  more  return  to  the  Shepherd  and 
Bishop  of  their  souls:     Indeed  there  is  no  Christidit 
who  does  not,  more  or  less,  mourn  his  deviations  from 
the  right  path:  none  are  above  the  necessity  of  caution, 
or  beyond  the  reach  of  danger.     *'  Take  heed  to  thy 
ways,''  is  as  necessary  to  the  good  man,  as  to  the  sinm 
ner.     Hence,  a  poem  that  contains  cautions  to  deter^ 
and  counsels  to  guide,  cannot  be  without  its  uses,  even 
to  those  who  have  not  zcickedly  departed  from  the 
Lord :    to  those  who  have  in  any  degree  forsaken  the 
right  way,  I  flatter  myself,  that  it  will  be  found  a 
useful  little  manual.    Some  poor  wanderer  may  per^ 
haps,  wish  to  know,  ichat  the  Backslider  has  to 
say ;   and   the'  he  has  forsaken  sermons,    may  be 
allured  by  a  verse,  and  profited  by  a  poem  :  especially^ 
rchen  hr  finds  that  it  symbolizes  with  his  own  state^ 


if 


PREFACE. 


f 

1' 


and  encourages  a  return  to  his  heavenly  Fa/ltcr.  Had 
the  subject  fallen  into  abler  hands ^  the  uork  might 
have  been  more  worthy  of  the  title  :  hoicever^  if  I  have 
not  gold  and  silver  to  offer  to  the  Lord's  Tabernacle^ 
i  mqy  be  allowed  to  bring  icool,  and  goat's  hair* 
This  irijief  was  not  mo/e  a  labour  of  piety  for  th^ 
good  of  others,  than  it  was  a  charm,  to  amuse  my  own 
mind.  It  was  the  link  that  sometimes  connected  two 
seasons  of  moderate  leather,  ihi^  interval  of  which, 
teas  either  a  snow  storm,  or  a  season  of  intense  cold : 
when  deep  snow  prevented  my  travellings  and  the  want 
of  books  afforded  no  refuge  from  idleness,  but  such 
mlternatives  as  the  pipe  :  then,  the  pleasure  of  com. 
posing  this,  or  some  other  little  fragment,  filled  up  my 
scrdps  of  time,  2  hope  at  least,  in  an  innocent,  if  not 
vsefui  manner.  My  Tuscultim,  if  1  may  call  little 
things  by  great  names,  was  sometimes  the  cottage  of 
a  fisherman,  or  the  log  house  of  a  colonist ;  in  a  word, 
the  Backslider  was  the  child  of  a  cold  and  severe 
climate,  and  was  reared  amidst  the  intense  frost,  deep 
tnozp,  wild  woods,  and  frozen  lakes  and  rivers  of 
NovamScotia.  So  that  my  subject,  (a  loandering  from 
the  ever  delightful  sun  of  righteousness,)  was  in  some 
degree  of  fellowship  with  my  situation;  hence,  should  my 
verses  not  possess  the  sphodron  km  entiiousiasticon 
JTATHOS,  so  necessary  to  good  pmtry^  the  above  cir. 
cumstances  will  plead  some  little  in  their  favour.  I 
know  it  may  be  objected,  but  why  publish  them  zdihout 


I  I 


FRFFACE. 


r.  Had 
k  might 
if  1  have 

Vs  hair* 
for  thtf 
my  ozcn 
ted  two 
\f  zshichf 
ise  cold : 
the  want 
but  such 
of  com- 
•id  up  my 
t,  if  not 
(ill  little 
yttage  of 
I  a  word, 
I  severe 
ist,  deep 
ivers  of 
ingfrom 
9  in  some 
'wnldmy 

ASTICON 

fove  cir- 

vour.     I 

zuihout 


revising  f  to  this  I  anszoer,  that  ac  present,  preaching 
seven  times  a  zceek  and  other  duties,  allozo  me  but  lit 
tie  time :  but  a  much  stronger  reason  is,  I  have  no 
inclination.  The  reader  is  welcome  to  the  work  in  itf 
present  state,  and  with  regard  to  the  critic,  he  wilt 
hardly  deign  to  look  upon  a  book,  the  very  title  of 
Uhich,  as  it  must  appear  foolish,  will  at  once  consign 
loth  the  author  and  his  piece  to  contempt  and  oblivion. 
If  any  reader  is  still  dissatisfied,  I  have  only  to  observe 
in  the  words  of  a  French  author  1  have  somewhere 
read,  that  "composing  it  zvas  my  heaven,  (1  speak 
after  the  manner  of  poets)  transcribing  it  was  my  pur. 
gatory,  and  shall  I  say,  that  correcting  it  would  be  my 
hell,  Strious/y,  J  fear  I  ,-innot  make  it  much  better, 
and  2  should  be  sorry  r,  •  roorse  :  I  hope  it  wa» 

written  in  the  fear  of  \  ' ,  this  disposition  1 

send  it  into  the  zcorld  ;  ,,n  any  wanderer 

the  way  to  his  God  and  Sav...  ,  Ml  bless  tae  day 
when  I  zvrole,  zcith  coU  fingers,  and  my  inkstand  up. 
on  the  stove  to  prevent  it  from  feezing.  Gain  is  not 
tny  object  ;  the  reader  icill  have  no  reason  to  think 
that  /  zcrite  at  his  pockets,~-had  that  been  the  case,  I 
might  have  published  this  trifle  in  a  five  shilling  quarto 
imtead  of  aizco  shilling  pamphlet.  If  there  be  any 
loss,  it  xtill  fall  upon  the  author,  if  much  gain,  the 
reader  zciU  have  the  greatest  share.  Go  then  my  little 
poen. ,  followed  by  thij  author's  prayers,  and  curry 

u  2 


r 


VI 


PREFACE. 


ttiitruction  to  the  hearts  of  those  zcho  prefer  truth  to 
criticism,  and  zcho  esteem  suitable  counsels  mure  thai^ 
ftll  the  beauties  of  zcit  and  eloquence. 

But  all  is  In  his  hand  whose  praise  T  geek. 
in  vain  the  poet  sings,  and  the  world  hcarBj 
If  he  regard  not,  though  divine  the  theine« 
'Tis  not  in  artful  measures,  in  the  chimo 

*  • 

And  idle  tinkiins;  of  a  minstrel's  lyre,  , 

To  charm  his  ear,  whose  eyes  is  on  the  he  -t,       . 
Whose  frown  can  disappoint  the  prcndest  stralii, 
Whose  approbation — prosper  even  mine.  i 

COWPER. 

;    .  -        '^      Plymol'tii-Dock,  October,  1813. 


-TT.,^  ,(*.-.:.•>♦**■■••' 


% 


y&>«^^ 


W  :#  = 


r  /r«/A  to 
7} ore  thai^ 


t      % 

COWPER. 


1815. 


n 


p 


i 


The  Rev.  JOSEPH  BENSON, 


THIS  POEM 


Is  most  respectfully  insGribed^ 


nV    lili    MUCBt     OBMGED, 


4ND    TEllV    AIIY.CTIONATE    SERVANT. 


THE  AUTHOR. 


■ 


•v.^ 


SON, 


?^/, 


ERVANT. 


TIIOR. 


'k* 


'A-  I, 


THE  BACKSJLIBEM, 

J    POEM, 


CANTO  FIRST. 


^Viili/e  also  go  away  !     John  vi.  67. 


ijjT E R N  A  L  S |)i ri t !   source  of  life  divine  ! 

Balm  of  the  contrite  heart,  and  bliss  of  mine  ! 

Thy  aid  I  ask,  thy  holy  »id  infuse. 

Thro'  all  my  theme,  and  sanctify  the  Muse. 

In  this  cold  climate,*  where  rough  Boreas  blows. 

Pours  his  fierce  hail,  and  spreads  his  dazzling  snows, 

Disrobes  the  green-wood,  chills  the  solar  beam, 

And  shakes  his  icy-sceptre  o'er  the  stream. 

Let  me  beguile  stern  winter's  frigid  ire, 

With  books  divine  a  friend,  and  maple  fire ; 

Or  cheat  the  night-storm  terrible  and  fierce  ! 

With  purest  sweets  of  fancy-pleasing  verse.  ' 

Benson  attend  !  tho'  mighty  oceans  part, 

Oceans  divide  the  body,  not  the  heart, 

'  •  Nova  Scotia.  .        |    / 


THE     BACKSLIDKK. 


To  thee,  I  know  the  moral  muse  is  dear, 

And  no  immoral  thought  shall  blossom  here  : 

Away!  ye  strains,  that  pain  (he  moral  sense, 

And  flush  the  snowy  cheek  of  innocence  ; 

Thou  wilt  not  deem  the  sacred  verse  a  crime, 

A  waste  of  talent,  or  a  loss  of  time  ; 

A  nobler  work,  my  daily  care  employs, 

A  nobler  work,  and  worthy  of  the  skies  ,• 

But  holy  Writ  has  taught  me  to  esteem, 

Time  more  then  gold,  and  moments  to  redeem  ; 

Hence  while  the  stars  roll  down  the  silent  night', 

Ere  blithe  Aurora  wake  the  infant  light ; 

I  visit  Siloa'sever  hallowed  stream, 

And  cull  the  flowers  that  beautify  my  theme. 

With  those  who  fall  away  my  theme  begins, 
Who  quit  bright  virtue  to  renew  their  sins, 
The  snowy  whiteness  of  their  raiment  stain, 
Like  luna  brighten,  and  like  luna  wane. 
Long  as  the  christian  on  the  Lamb  depends, 
And  ardent  prayer  with  grateful  praises  blends  ; 
Fbc'd  on  the  prize  his  thoughts,  his  heart  unstain'd, 
His  hope  substantial,  and  his  faith  unfeign'd^ 
Long  as  his  filial  love  and  zeal  are  pure, 
His  walk  is  steady,  and  his  standing  sure  ;  ' 

Bright  comforts  too,  maintain  an  equal  pace, 
Woe  never  blooms  beneath  the  sun  of  grace  ; 
Perennial  joys,  extatic  views  are  his 
And  rich  supplies  of  undissembled  bliss, 


a-*  r J.*Wr^ 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


T  ho  bliss.right  reason,  thought,  and  faith  dispense 
Not  blossoms  ravish'd  from  <he  plant  of  sense, 
Not  those  that  bloom  on  honour's  laurel'd-head  ; 
Not  those  dull  joys,  by  ease  and  riches  fed. 
Nor  those  that  wit,  and  beauty  can  bestow. 
Or  in  the  walks  of  fame,  and  learning  grow  : 
But  wishes  p-aceful,  and  a  soul  within, 
Mild  as  the  morn,  as  summer  skies  serine  j 
Each  day,  devotion  sweetens  to  delight, 
While  heaven's  bright  visions  occupy  the  night ; 
The  toys  of  time  are  all  esteemed  as  dross, 
Fast  grows  his  bliss  beneath  the  bleeding  crois  ; 
And  should  a  trial  pierce,  or  pain  his  feet, 
The  throne  of  smiling  grace  is  doubly  sweet, 
Thence  like  a  stream  the  purest  comforts  flow, 

Thence  on  the  soul  the  gales  of  Zion  blow  ; 
In  that  sweet  ante-chamber  to  the  sky, 
When  man  is  absent— and  Jehovah  nigh  ; 
The  happy  soul  can  every  care  dismiss, 
And  in  devotion  feel  an  angel's  bliss.  ' 

Do  sorrows  sting  ?  afflictive  thoughts  oppress  ?  ' 
(For  ^renuine  piety  may  feel  distress  ;) 
A  brightening  hope  of  speedy  succour  cheers,    ' 
And  peace  serenely  glistens  through  his  tears; 
Or,  if  a  night  of  darkness  should  invade,  " 

The  star  of  promise  glimmers  through  the  shade  : 
I  ai(h  eyes  the  welcome  light,  and  steers  by  (his, 
Thiough  waves,  and  clouds,  to  never-fiidiiis  bliss 

ii2 


fc 


acr 


'11 


W 


THE    BACKSLIDEU. 


U, 


3=a« 


f'S- 


Sorrow,  the  circle  of  a  night  may  run, 
And  clouds  a  moment  rob  him  of  the  Sun ; 
But  soon  the  rosy  morn,  in  splendours  drest 
Beams,  with  celestial  radiance  thro'  his  breast 
The  clouds  of  sorrow,  brighten  into  joy 
The  soul  is  succour'd,  and  the  tear  is  dry. 

Snch  is  a  christian's  bliss  ;  but  if  he  fall, 
The  beauties  wither  ;  and  he  forfeits  all ! 
Eden  is  Eden  now,  no  more  to  him^ 
His  wine  is  water,  and  his  silver  dim  ; 
As  chilling  liquids  quench  the  gentle  ftame, 
As  envy  blasts  the  fairest  buds  of  fame. 
As  solar  beams  the  glistening  dew-drops  dry, 
As  clouds  dim  all  the  lustre  of  the  sky, 
Sin  will  the  finest  bloom  of  grace  destroy. 

■   .  ("  { 
I 

What  deep  afflictions  date  their  rise  from  this  ! 

The  loss  of  Jesus  is  the  loss  of  bliss  \ 

From  his  sweet  presence,  if  a  soul  depart, 

Who  is  the  centre— anguish  cleaves  the  heart. 

His  smile  is  Eden  ;  but  if  vanish'd  thpnce. 

Ten  thousand  hells  Ilis  awful  frowns  dispense. 

< 

Who  flies  his  Maker,  stamps  a  curse  on  all 
The  sweet  enjoyments  of  this  nether  ball : 
The  more  he  wanders,  still  the  more  undone  ; 
No.sorid  comfort  blooms  beneath  the  sua  ! 


?  _' 

>    .•••li 

,  -  ',       i    ■    \ 


it 


.» 


(..  .  \\ 


3=s« 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


Karth's  glittering  toys,  that  bear  the  name  of  this, 
Are  only  seeming,  not  substantial  bliss  ; 
All  are  not  pearls  that  grace  a  Lady's  neck,  i 

Or  gold  that  glitters,  on  that  flashy  rake. 


I 

•-i  u    ■  .1 

I 


vr 


*-;  t 


The  sweets  of  earth,  may  shine  in  his  esteem, 
Who  never  tasted  Zion's  hallowed  stream  ; 
PiUt  can  a  soul,  by  better  knowledge  taught 
Find,  in  (he  sty  of  sense,  a  bliss  of  thought  ? 
Shall  he,  whose  taste  is  form'd  to  things  divine, 
Burrow  on  earth,  and  mingle  with  the  swine  ? 
He  may  effect  such  revolution  strange  ; 
But  O !  how  much  he  suffers  by  the  change  t 
Who,  but  a  brainless  madman  or  a  fool, 
Would  leave  a  fountain,  for  a  turbid  pool  ? 
Part  with  the  purest  gold,  that  in  its  stead, 
He  might  receive,  an  equal  weight  of  lead  : 
Or  who  that  cares  an  atom  for  his  ease. 
Would  quit  a  quiet  port,  for  stormy  seas  ? 
Forsake  Ausonia's  fields,  and  fragrant  bowers^ 
For  Zerabla's  rocks,  or  Patagonia's  shores  ? 
Yet  he,  who  from  his  Saviour's  presence  flies, 
Gives  bliss  for  woo,  for  dross,  immortal  joys  5 
A  crown  in  purchase,  for  a  pleasing  lust^ 
And  for  a  dream,  a  seat  among  the  just. 
Ah  foolish  souls  !  can  earth  supply  the  place, 
Of  the  f  ich  blessings  of  redeeming  grace  ? 

b3 


n 


'/I 


■**.    *^- 1 


5 

f3 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


f'V 


I 


/ 


"Who  seeks  a  God,  in  aught  that  blooms  belo'W,  ' 

Gains  a  large  share  of  self-created  woe  ', 

Awhile  the  cloud-built  good,  may  charm  his  view, 

Till  hope  deceived,  will  sting  his  spirit  through;      '> 

Too  mean  to  comfort,  and  too  weak  to  save, 

He  grasps  a  bubble,  dancing  on  the  wave. 

But  grant  the  world,  could  happiness  bestow  ; 

How  short  the  date,  of  every  bliss  below  I 

A  moment  ends  the  rainbow's  gaudy  ray  • 

And  roses  bloom,  and  wither  in  a  day.  '   '     - 

Can  the  wide  world,  blue  sky,  expansive  s^ds,        •   • 

Cheer  the  sad  heart,  the  wounded  spirit  tase?  * 

Did  all  their  variegated  bliss  unite,  I 

To  please  the  touch,  the  taste,  the  ear,  the  sight  j 

Were  sparkling  diamonds,  from  "  the  flaming  mine** 

Peruvia's  gold,  and  snowy  silver  thine; 

They  cannot  soothe  a  grief,  repress  a  sigh, 

Or  fill  thy  breast  with  unembitter'd  joy  ; 

Put  title,  learning,  wisdom,  in  the  scale  ; 

Will  title,  learning,  wisdom,  aught  avail  ?        -  i 

If  Christ,  and  glory,  sway  the  adverse  beam,    ^    ■ 

The  world  is  chaff,  the  universe  a  dream  I        .  w     . 

When  the  pure  bliss  of  grace,  is  rightly  Laown^ 
(A  gem  that  seldom  glitters  on  a  throne) 
Down  with  the  world— its  fairest  gloi  ies  fade,         '  * 
Its  brightest  Ittftref,  darken  into  shade. 


THIS    CACKSLinEK. 


•  I 


So  rich  a  flavourj  and  so  fine  abloom,  •  '-  * 

The  joys  of  hope,  the  sweets  of  faith,  assume  : 

Beauty,  and  splendour,  pay  their  court  in  vain  ; 

Honour,  and  gold,  aie  treated  with  disdain  j 

Sink,  disappear,  if  grace  her  chhriAs  unfold  ;  / 

As  stars,   before  the  sun's  refulgent  gold  :         -  f-*  / 

But  if  the  saint,  from  this  high  state  decline, 

If  faith  decay,   and  zeal  become  supine  ;  < 

Should  he,  unfaithful  to  Emmanuel  prove,  » 

Forget  each  vow,  and  slight  redeeming  love  ; 

Like  Demas,  east  his  easy  yoke  aside, 

And  down  the  stream  of  ease,  and  riches  glide  ; 

Can  he  unchecked,  the  sweets  of  sense  enjoy, 

Whose  high.born  relish,  centre'd  in  the  sky? 

Can  he,  whose  soul  was  ravishM  with  the  cross. 

Quit  this  high.flavourM  bliss,  for  sensual  drosi 

And  yet  be  happy  ! — tis  impossible ! 

As  YfeW  might  Damien,  on  his  bed  of  steel : 

For  when  the  sweets,  of  sacred  things  decrease, 

And  faith,  and  love,  and  joy,  asid  meekness  cease  | 

The  world  can  ne*er  assume  its  former  dress ; 

It  may  beguile  the  soul ;  but  cannot  btess ; 

How  sweet  soe*er  its  guileful  syrens  sin^,' 

Each  moment  brings  a  message  on  its  wing, 

That  tells  the  wretch,  he  may  the  next  expire  ; 

And  sink  unpardonM,  to  eternal  fire* 

The  soul  is  on  a  restless  ocean  toss'd, 

No  peace,  no  comfort,  all  his  heaf  en  is  lost ; 


THE    BACKSLlDEIt. 


* 


A  weary  waste  appears,  on  every  baud, 
Hough  rocks,  night  brooiling  sky,  and  barren  laud  ; 
IIo  tastes  the  bitter  cup,  of  haggard  Cain  ; 
And  finds  that  guilt  is  still  the  heaviest  chain  ;  . 
At  every  point,    the  iortur'd  soul  is  Fore  .• 

M'ith  kt^enor  pangs,  than  any  felt  before; 
A  thousand  faded  sweets,  illusive  rise  ; 
A  thousand  visions,  of  departed  joys  :  .l.  . 

'J'hrice  happy  d^ysj  when  prayer  aspiring  flcir, 
To  the  blue  sky,  on  every  breath  he  drew; 
When  every  moment,  in  its  rapid  flight, 
Dropi)'d  from  its  wings,  the  balm  of  new  delight! 
Then  all  his  raptur'd  soul  was  full  of  bliss,  '. 

And  life,  and  death,  and  earth,  and  heaven,  Were  his  ; 
To  him  the  sacred  house  of  prayer  how  sweet ; 
When  God  is  present,  and  his  people  meet; 
With  vital  extacy  of  soul  he  fed,  .  r  hr  f* 

On  the  pure  sacramental  wine  and  bread ;  '   >      '. 

*Tuas  Kdeo  to  his  soul,  when  Sabbath  cam*;   ' 
And  caclj  new  means  renew'd  the  holy  flame  ; 
From  the  Frifst's  lips,  he  holy  knowledge  drew^ 
The  word  was  manna,  always  sweet  and  new  ; 
While  love,  and  praise,  his  hallowM  breast  iuspirM^- 
With  grace  enraptm'd,  and  with  glory  fir*il. 


■ 


Now  busy  thought  alone,  the  past  rctamv* 
Embitteis  loss,   aud  agravates  his  pains  % 


).1 


•^Jk 


A 


THE    HACKSLIOEIl. 


!) 


His  peace,  and  vigour,  life,   and  pardoji  past  J 
S^  blossoms  lose  their  beauty  by  a  blast  : 
Where  opening  tints  of  fair  devotion  shed, 
Their  living  bloom,  and  fragrance  round  his  head 
Spring  the  rank  weeds,  of  levity  and  vice, 
And  choke  the  glowing  sweets  of  paradise, 
Grace,  like  the  lovely  lily,  or  the  rose,,  t  ;    , 
Supreme  of  flowers  I  a  vivid  lustre  shows  i  , 
But  every  fatal  sin,  becomes  a  worm, 
The  rose  to  fade,  the  lily  to  deform  ;     ,^     , ., , 
Now  in  his  breast,  corrosive  anger  burns, 
Pale  care  revives,  and  feverish  lust  returns ; 
From  reason*s  hand,  mad  passion  takes  the  rein's 
And  o*er  the  soui,  despotic  sway  maintains ; 
Tears  up  each. sweet  affection  grace  had  sown; 
And  hurls  fair  meekness  from  her  placid  throne. 
The  moral  sense,  diifusM  through  every  paft| 
The  sours  fine  nerre,  and  dial  of  the  heart, 
The  delegate  of  heaven,  thia  God  nithin, 
No  longer  trembles,  at  the  approach  of  sin  ; 
Each  holy  confidence,  is  cast  aside ; 
Save,  what  delusion  lends,  to  erring  pride  ;  ^     ^ 
Lukewarm,  and  heedless  now  of  others  A«al, 
Dim  burn^  (he  fire  of  pnre,  seraphic  zeal ; 
Nor  can  the  noblest  cause  on  earth  command, 
The  prompt  exertion,  or  the  liberal  hand  j 
The  frost  of  sin  is  fallen  on  his  head. 
And  every  plant  of  paradise  is  dead 


i.    r 


1 


I 


■ 


il 


THE    llArKr.LIDER. 


ft  t 


Or  if  a  soW'inri  thouE^hf,   his  mind  engross, 

It  stiii;4S  him,   with  his  misery  and  loss  ; 

Sharp  pangs  of  guilty  dread  attend  his  $w. 

And  recent  falls  inllame  the  hell  within,  't'»''^ 

Fierce  o'er  his  head,  the  waves  ofangufsfi  roft 

An;l  starless  glooms  enwrap  the  guiUy  soul  j       •      ■  '* 

Mercy's  mild  throne,  admits  of  no  access,    •*'      •       • 

And  poi^rnant  grief,  solicits  no  redress, 

The  earth  is  iron,  to  the  languid  prayer,-     •        •      '   • 

And  heaven,  as  brass,  forbids  an  entrance  tlierr. 

liut  cuiild  he  gain  aecess,  the  roving  mind 

Shifts  like  the  Tane,  that  Tt-er*  with  every  wind  j; ' 

The  fire  of  love,  ex(ingnish*d  in  the  breast, 

The  wish  U  faint,  and  formal  the  reqnest; 

Ji  hovah^g  ear  is  never  gain'd  by  those,  ■  '-' 

Whose  minds  wide  wander,  or  whose  wishes  doze ; 

To  mercy*s  seat,  if  we  aright  aspire. 

Our  thoughts  must  wish,  our  wishes  be  on  fire  ; 

The  steps  are  painttil,  and  the  passage  steep  ; 

Tears  must  imp!ore,  and  words  in  anguish  weep ; 

For  life  and  pardon,  every  breath  should  rise,   * 

And  every  nerve,  for  mercy  agonize. 


•'t  •» 


The  soul,  that  once  lilte  fruitful  Eden  smiled, 
Is  now  a  desert,  desolate  and  wild  ; 
Where  the  mild  sweets  of  paradise  arose, 
The  thorny  bi  ier,  or  noxious  nighUshade  grows  ; 


(i.i-i 


Sl^ 


f/{ 


>'», 


»  ■   ■' ,'  i 


it      .    ■  ' 


lerr. 


•'L    I 


t*<-  f 


■   Jii.  I  ' 


doze; 


lep; 


W8 


> 


lllK    UACKSMDKll. 


11 


IVaiify  is  chun^'d  for  uslies  ,  und  the  dros* 
Of  comely  praise,  forsulk'ii  heavinoss. 
Once,  lucid  truth  an  opeiiiii;;  path  display'd  ; 
Now,  solemn  sadness  wraps  the  mind  in  shade  ; 
Hope,  like  a  rising  bird,  is  on  the  winij, 
And  death  in  terror  clad,   presents  his  sting  ; 
Perpetual  A-ars  his  harrassM  mind  annoy, 
Perpetual  sins,  those  guilty  fears  supply  . 
While  daily  tempted  by  some  dreadful  gtist, 
Of  anger,   wrath,   pride,   bitterness,  or  lust, 
He  cannot  conquer,  or  avoid  the  snare, 
Il«  cannot  conquer,  who  is  dead  to  pray'r. 
Weak  as  a  child,  and  as  a  leaf  decay'd^ 
Of  every  touch,  of  every  wind  afraid  ; 
His  native  energies,  that  promise  much, 
Are,  if  he  try  them,  like  a  broken  crutch  j 
Vow§,  promise,  purpose,   resolutions  are, 
Untried,   the  mighty  thunderbolts  of  war  ; 
But  let  a  trial  enter  on  the  list,  , 

All  brt^ak,  and  vanish,  like  a  morning  mist ; 
Nothing,  in  feeble  man  the  shock  can  bear, 
Of  ConlHct  fierce  ;  but  soul  supporting  prayer  ; 
Nothing,  oppressive  sorrow  can  sustain, 
Keen  trials,   and  excruciating  pain  ; 
But  comfort  drawn,  from  smiling  mercies  throne. 
By  simple  faith,  and  fervent  prayer  alone  ; 
Sweet  to  the  soul,  are  simple  faith  and  prayer. 
When  Deity  is  felt,  and  woiship'd  there  ; 


l^Z 


THE    llACIiSLtUKK. 


|i  I 


all    ' 


I 


AVidiin  111 ,  hidden  temple,   God  reveals,       -.  .        -*i 

That  mystic  lif;?,   the  true  believers  feel  ;  ;,^ 

Hemr  to  your  father,  little  children  go, 

Nor  rest,  till  you  liis  vital  fullnes'?  know  ;  .  << 

By  frequent  acts,  the  habitude  acquire,  ,^u 

Sparks,  M'hen  united  form  a  sacred  lire: 

A  thousand  times,  the  unestalilished  heart, 

May  waver,  vibrate,  from  the  centre  start , 

Yet  s(ill  essay  to  call  the  rover  back, 

iVor  till  'tis  fix'd  on  Cod,  thy  eflorts  slack  ; 

That  point  attain'd,  thy  soul  './ill  then  aspire,    .     .m 

AVith  eagles'  wings,  and  mount  as  iiames  of  fire  ;    , 

Free  fram  corroding  thoui;ht,  and  anxious  care  ;    .v 

llepose  in  God;  by  vital  faith  and  prayer,  <•  ^ 

Gliding  along,  for  duty  now  is  sweet ; 

The  soul's  pure  acts,  in  central  Jesus  meet.        ,  ,  / 

But  if  the  thought,  by  many  things  employ 'd,    ..•.,,  ^ 

Sho'ild  for  a  moment,  rove  or  start  aside  ; 

'i  he  recollected  mind,  the  error  sees  ; 

And  quick  recalls,  the  fugitive  with  ease  : 

Back  to  it's  centre  flit     the  steady  soul,  .  .    , 

As  the  touch'd  needle,  tren»bles  to  the  pol^, 

Jlence  the  sweet  commerce,  of  a  soul  above,  , 

Hence  meekness,  zeal,  serenity,  and  love  ; 

Hence  the  pure  streams,  of  vital  comfort  rise, 

As  springs  derive  t.  eir  waters,  from  the  skies. 

But  if  this  pure,  delightful  commerce  drop  ; 

This  Tital  spring — the  whole  machine  will  stop  ; 


4i 


fire  ; 
care  : 


,:'i 


'  '•»  /:, 


5 


Op : 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


13 


Vahh,  bearing,  reading,  watching,  all  decline  ; 

As  plants  unwater'd  languish,  droop,  and  pine. 

Attest  the  solemn,  painful  truth  I  teli ; 

Ye  lost  to  balmy  peace,  \vho  once  ran  well! 

Whence  did  the  fatal  dirt  ful  bane  arise, 

That  blasted,  faded,  wither'd  all  your  joys  ? 

How  did  you  lose,  the  pearl  of  innocence, 

How  slide  from  grace,  to  ruinous  offence  ? 

How  sell  your  title,  to  a  crown  above  ? 

How  shipwreck  faith  and  quench  seraphic  loTe  ? 

Turn  the  bright  page,  of  past  experience  o'er  ; 

The  time  recall  the  circumstance  explore  ; 

Say,  Avas  it  riches,  poverty,  or  pride, 

Your  inward  peace,  and  purity  destroy'd  I 

Did  wrath,  or  blasting  envy,  banish  hence, 

The  fnio  emotions  of  the  moral  sense  ? 

Did  pain  (relentless  fury)  rob  your  peace, 

Did  snake. tongued  slander,  make  your  vigour  cease  ? 

Ah  no  !  your  hearts  are  witness  these  did  not 

Steal  the  bright  gem,  and  fix  the  moral  blot ; 

You  grew,  and  Hourish'd  long,  in  spite  of  thtse  ; 

So  coral  blooms,  beneath  tempestuous  seas, 

So  vivid  stars,  on  chilling  nights  are  teen  ; 

And  spruce  in  winter,  wears  a  lively  green. 

Should  we  consult,  that  Oracle  Saint  Paul, 

To  find  the  fatal  secret,  of  your  fall ; 

The  faithful  oracle,  would  quick  declare, 

Your  ruin  sprung,  from  intermitttd  prayer: 

G 


tX") 


THE     BACKSLIDER. 

While  Closet  opportunities  were  sweet 
And  fervent  prayer,  enlivened  each  retreat ; 

When  stated  hours  renew'd,  the  precious  toil, 
The  lamp  of  duty  blazed,  m  ith  holy  oil  • 

Wlule  man  was  lov'd,  and  Deity  ador'd' 
On  fervent  wing,  your  happy  spirit  soar'd; 

No  tedious,  irksome,  melancholy  void 
No  vacant  moment  linger'd,  unemploy'd  - 
For  grace  and  nature  mutually  impart      ' 
A  thousand  sweet  sensations  to  the  heart  • 
How  smooth  the  deep,  how  blue  the  vaulied  sky  » 
How  green  the  grass,  how  cool  the  zephyrs  ily  » * 
A  sweeter  fragrance,  issues  from  the  meads 
A  brighter  prospect  opens  thro'  the  glades  •' 
f "  beauties  deck,   th'aspiring  mountains 'side, 
S'erener  far,  the  river  seems  to  glide , 
The  ripening  fruits,  a  richer  tint  disclose  - 
A  softer  crimson,  blushes  on  the  rose  •      ' 
The  mind  within,  a  blooming  Eden  sees, 
And  all  around,  has  privilege  to  please, 
iill  SKy    earth,  ocean,  hill,  and  dale  agree, 
1  o  aid  the  soul's  internal  melody  ; 
Higher,  and  higher,  as  your  souls  aspir'd 
On  raptures  wing  I  attracted,  dazzl'd,  fir'd  t 
£ach  sacred  duty,  more  delightful  grew  ; 
3For  erer  pleasant,  and  for  ever  new. 

And  when  you  linish'd  prayer,  to  mix  with  man, 
A  holy  sweetness,  through  your  converse  ran,- 


THE    BACKSLIDEU. 


J ,  ~.  V..V.  ..wjoc  ui  men, 
l^ager  to  snatch  a  moir.ent  would  ye  fly, 
And  lose  yourselves,  in  commerce  with  the  sky  • 
^  o  time  so  prized,  as  that  ye  spent  alone  ;  ' 

No  hours  so  sweet,  as  those  before  the  throne  ; 
Where  no  officious  step,  or  gazer  rude 
I)isturb'd  your  sweetly  pleasing  solitude. 
lo  each  new  place,  a  moment  reconcil'd 
'  1  was  all  a  Bethel,  if  Emmanuel  smii'd 
1  he  closet,  meadow,  dingle,  greenwood  shade, 
J  he  tang'Ung  thicket,  or  the  lonel    ,lade, 

ihosweetrecess,  alcove,  or  dripping  grot, 
i  .le  silent  garden,  or  retired  spot, 

The  dell,  barn,  hedge.row,   or  as  mean  a  place 

As  he  was  born  in  who  redeem'd  our  race  ;  ' 

C2 


■»* 


16 


THE    BACKSLlDEli. 


Alike  were  welcome,  if  no  eye  could  sec, 

But  the  all -seeing  eye  of  Deity  . 

Thus  ye  aspir'd,  till  pure  devotion  dies, 

And  no  warm  hopes,  no  fervent  wishes  rise; 

For  soon  alas  !  as  ye  decline  in  this, 

And  stated  hours  of  pure  devotion  miss  ; 

The  light  of  piety  is  wrapt  in  shades, 

Her  vigour  dies,  her  blooming  beauty  fades. 

The  sweet  recess,  the  solitary  gloom, 

The  calm  retirement,  or  the  private  room, 

The  lonely  grotto,  and  the  forest's  shade, 

Whe-c  raptur'd  angels  listen'd  while  you  prayM  ; 

Where  all  neglected  !  and  forsaken  quite, 

Save  an  unwilling  form,  at  morn  and  night ; 

That  little  form  in  time,  became  a  toil, 

Lamps  cannot  burn  without  replenish'd  oil, 

And  every  spring,  of  energy  destroy'd, 

You  reason'd,  paus'd,  and  laid  the  whole  aside. 

But  does  our  ruin,  all  depend  on  thi? 

Is  there  no  other  moth,  to  fret  our  bliss  ? 

No  other  path,  to  lead  the  soul  astray, 

No  other  lion  in  the  narrow  way  ? 

Is  this  alone,  the  only  rock  that  lies, 

Across  our  passage  to  seroner  skies  ? 

Shall  we  not  meet,  on  life's  vexatious  seas, 

Keen  storms  of  passion,  and  dead  calms  of  ease  ? 

Deceitful  quicksands  of  presumptions  trust, 

Gulfs  of  despair  and  hurricanes  of  lust  ? 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


17 


Fiddios,  to  draw  us  from  our  destined  track, 

Lights  to  decoy,  and  waves  to  beat  us  back? 

Ah  yes !  a  thousand  enemies  conspire, 

To  kill  the  life,  and  quench  the  holy  fire  ; 

To  choke  the  seed  of  virtue  ere  it  grow, 

Or  make  the  growth,  immeasurably  slow  ; 

Hound  the  saints'  path,  a  thousand  dangers  meet. 

Goads  for  his  sides,  and  prickles  for  his  feet : 

Innate  depravity  will  never  rest, 

Till  that,  or  grace,  be  rooted  from  the  breast, 

Till  all  rcnew'd,  the  tainted  heart  will  err. 

And  lies  to  truth,  and  sin  to  grace  prefer  j 

'Tis  full  of  evil,  and  perfidious  grown, 

A  den  of  thieves,  m  ':ere  satan  has  his  throne  j 

For  still  where  saving  grace,  triumphant  reigns, 

This  furious  lion,  struggles  with  his  chains. 

Though  the  mind's  eye,  by  faith  and  love  isfix'd 

On  God,  and  hope  with  purity  is  mix*d. 

Still  the  deceitful  heart,  has  some  pretext. 

To  grasp  at  this  world,  and  refuse  the  next; 

To  fascinate  the  soul  by  some  false  show. 

Of  ease,  respect,  wealth,  happiness  below ; 

By  these  deceitful  shadows  to  destroy, 

The  pure  intention,  and  the  single  eye  5 

And  lead  the  soul,  from  watchfulness  and  prayer 

To  levity,  concupiscence,  and  care :      • 

Hence,  many  a  pilgrim,  by  her  secret' wiles, 

The  cunning,  cruel  sorceress  beguiles,      '.v 


%, 


I 


m 


18 


THE   BACKgT.inEU, 


i 


To  make  the  soul  an  alien  from  the  skies, 
From  satan^s  wiles,  what  oppositions  risf. 
In  Eden  first,  his  hellish  arts  began, 
To  circumvent,  seduce,  and  ruin  man. 
He  rules  this  lower  world,  without  controul, 
But  most  opposes,  every  gracious  soul. 
To  wake  desire,  and  make  the  passions  blaze, 
He»ll  importune  the  saint  a  thousand  ways. 
By  him,  each  subtle  artifice  is  tried,   " 
The  baits  of  pleasure,  and  the  pomp  of  pride. 
In  every  place,  his  snares  in  secret  lurk, 
On  every  tack,  the  subtle  fiend  can  work. 
But  if  the  soul  has  one  peculiar  part 
Expos'd,  unarm'd,  there  satan  hurls  his  dart. 
He  plies  our  hopes,  our  appetites,  our  fears, 
A*nd  now  a  seraph,  or  a  snake  appears. 
Lays  all  his  plans,  with  diabolic  skill, 
To  cheat  the  conscience,  vitiate  the  will: 
For  avarice  prepares  his  golden  baits. 
For  softness  opens  pleasure's  charming  gates] 
Fills  Balaam's  bosom  with  the  love  of  gain, 
And  ciuaws  with  jealousy,  unhappy  Cain. 
Bids  envy  in  the  breast  of  Corah  burn, 
And  churlish  Nabal,  holy  counsel  spu^n. 
To  David's  eye  a  Bath^sheba  displays, 
Gives  Demas  riches,  Diotrephus  praise, 
Draws  Tamer's  heart,  from  virtue's  path  away, 
And  Judas  prompts  his  master  to  betray  : 


i'l^i 


I 


I>ut,  if  a  weeping  penitent  appear, 

AbashM  with  guilt,  and  paralized  with  fear, 

He  hides  the  promise,  tempts  to  unbelief; 

And  wraps  his  sou!  in  darkness,  doubt,  and  grief: 

Yet  prompts  the  daring  sinner  to  rebel, 

Nor  mind  those  fables,  judgment,  wrath,  and  hell. 

The  world  around  ulth  meretricious  smiir. 
Has  many  lures,  th'  unwary  to  beguile. 
Infections  vanities  around  us  crou  d, 
Thick  as  the  rain-drops,  from  an  April  cloud  ; 
These,  if  the  soul  one  moment  take  her  eye 
Of  faith,  and  love,  from  everlasting  joy. 

Blot  out  each  sweet  idea,  grace  irapress'd, 

And  fill  with  trifles,  the  devoted  breast. 

To  some,  vain  riches  spread  their  glittering  snares, 

This  mounts  to  honour,  that  descends  to  cares  j 

Books,  wit,  and  talents,  are  a  bano  to  these, 

To  those  the  love  of  company,  or  ease. 

The  lures  of  softness  not  a  few  trepan, 

The  love  of  fashion,  or  the  fear  of  man  j 

And  some  forego,  their  piety  for  life. 

To  please  a  husband,  or  to  win  a  wife. 

So  fine  a  web  the  enemy  can  spin. 

They  please  the  wmv,  but  overlook  the  sin  : 

So  lawful,  pure,  and  sanctified  a  state, 

And  then  so  lovely,  so  belov'd  a  mate, 

Withal  so  yielding,  pliable,  and  kind, 

And  much  (they  think)  to  piety  inclin'd;  ' 


n 


m 


'20 


THE    BACKS  LfOElU 


ri  y-!^ 


ThTis  love  nn\  fai^cy,  hope  atu!  pas-slori  plead, 

And  truth  is  uarpM  to  juslify  the  deeJ  ; 

A  dccdj  that  writes,  the  history  of  all 

Their  future  lives,  in  happiness  or  gull : 

The  rosy  path  becomes,  a  dismal  bog, 

The  tie  a  galling  chain  the  mate  a  clog  ; 

The  bed  of  blooming  violets  so  sweet, 

*A  thorny  bralvo  to  lacerate  the  feet. 

These, — busy  men,  and  busy  life  invade, 

Bills,  crosses,  dt  bts,  tnnbarrassments,  and  trade  5 

They  cannot  go  to  church,  they  cannot  pray, 

The  world  has  stolen  all  their  time  awav. 

Tile  w  orld — they  did  not  apprehend  tlic  snare, 

Has  sold  them  care  for  peace,  and  gain  for  piavcr. 

Ah  foolish  souls  J  to  part  with  grace  for  trash, 

And  sell  a  future  crown,  for  present  cash. 

Too  many  lose  the  pearl  they  should  carosf=, 

By  boding  fears,  and  blind  nn watchfulness ; 

And  some  whose  hearts  religion  took  deep  root  in, 

Kill  the  swi    t  plant,  by  jangling  and  disputing  : 

These  fust  grow  cold,  and  wanting  a  pretence, 

At  ministers,  or  people  take  offence  ; 

While  those,  to  mend  th(  ir  fortune,  change  their  place, 

Lose  first  the  means:^  and  then  the  power  of  grace. 

Can  he  da  less  who  hunting  after  pelf, 

First  gains  his  object,  and  next  damns  himself? 

Some  thousands  fall  by  that  accursed  vice, 

Close,  grippcn-fistcd,  dirt-sprung  avarice  ; 


THE   BACKS  Ml)  EH. 


1i 


rac?e  j 


layer. 


of.  in, 


?! 


\r  place, 

race. 

f? 


Their  Jove  of  lucre  rises  to  a  pitch, 

That,  tiaiim  <ir  save,  they  nill,  thry  must  he  rich  ; 

Nor  Demas'  fate,  nor  Balaam\s  can  deter, 

The  myriads  who  ai^ainst  conviction  trr. 

A  many  err  by  prejiKlice  and  spleen, 

But  more  by  anger  iriitabiy  keen ; 

Their  touchy,  squally  spirits  cannot  brook, 

A  trivial  error,  or  unpleasant  look ; 

Not  armM  with  recollected  prayer  within, 

They  flame  and  fiilmlgate,  they  rave  and  sin  j 

Each  little  cross,  or  innocent  mistake. 

Acts  like  the  squall  that  agitates  the  lake  ; 

**  Hence  in  their  intercourse  those  frequent  breaks, 

*'  That  humour  inJcrposed,  so  often  makes  /' 

A  dismal  stormy  latitude  they  sail, 

And  thousands  have  been  shipwrecked  in  the  gale. 

These  make  their  table  a  continual  snare, 

And  lose  in  luxury  their  love  for  prayer  ; 

Or  tipple  at  the  fascinating  bowl, 

Till  grace  desert,  and  stupor  seize  the  soul. 

Some  grow  remiss  enquiring  after  news, 

But  more  by  tailing  all  religion  lose, 

Watch  o*er  a  brother's  ways,  with  jealous  heed, 

Their  own,  thoy  never  look  into,  or  weed, 

Busy  alike,  with  stranger,  friend,  or  foe, 

They  kindle  strife,  and  bitter  discord  sow. 

Many,  thy  conduct,  Solomon  pursuing 

By  lovely  woman  meet  their  certain  ruin. 


m 


I J 


v). 


Mi 


THE    IIACKSLIDKR. 


il 


h  h 


Tlii^  faciiKitiiig  spfll  will  oft  surprise 

Tlui yoiiili,  that  makes  no  covenant  with  his  eyes, 

'I'ill  piMuuM  within  the  pit  of  sin,  ho  ttU, 

lUicil  pleasure  is  the  porch  of  hell  j 

Whence  only  deep  repentance  can  reclaim, 

At»(l  snatch  the  burning  brand  from  out  the  Hame  : 

Then  i\y  the  snare,  nor  toncli  it,  or  be  lost, 

Whoever  parley's,  parleys  to  his  cost. 

Not  half  sr>  fatal  roclcy  Scylla's  shores, 

Kor  where  ChyribiUs  lUurls,  and  iuams,  and  roars  ; 

As  the  world's  smile  ta  some,  O  Syreii  co^,.st  I 

Where  nil  who  anchor  are  for  ever  lost. 

For  many  that  endure  each  adverse  test. 

With  brows  of  brass  and  adamantine  breasl. 

When  tides  of  smiling  reputation  flow, 

When  sunny  gales  of  fickle  fortune  blow. 

When  soft  recumbent  ease,  and  plenty  shine, 

When  polish'd  friends,  and  sparkling  grandeur  join  ; 

Desert  the  rugged  cross— and  road  to  l>liss. 

And  grow  supine  effeminate  remiss:  *         V 

Uelax'd  with  pleasure's  enervating  ray, 

Tliey  cast  the  cloak  of  piety  away. 

IS  lovely  righteousness  an  eclipse  fcets. 

And  truth  has  persecution  at  her  heels  j 

If  thick  the  shafts  of  o])position  (iy, 

If  bigot  men,  and  bigot  devils  try. 

Their  penal  arts  of  malice,  jail,  u.ul  loss, 

How  many  soft  disciples  siain  the  cross  ! 


■•'i 


ri 
11 

Vc 
Lv 

To 
Mj 
An 


••fell>lll|ll»      II     1    IIL 


THE   BACKSMOER. 


•yes, 


Amti  t 


Fly  from  the  camp,  and  lay  their  gfory  down 
rip-  mk  hell  fne  to  calm  the  worlds  dread  frawn. 
J hus  thousands  aljdicate  the  holy  cross, 
For  present  blessings  risk  immortal  loss ; 
Leave  the  pure  fountain  of  celestial  joy, ' 
To  drink  at  broken  cisterns  always  dry. 
Aly  soul !  avoid  each  fasduating  Jnare, ' 
And  guard  thy  steps  by  discipline  and  prayer. 


I 


d  roaja ; 
f 


ur  joiu ; 


EBfD  OF  CAVTO   f. 


m 


■  i 


i 


\ 


THE  BACKSLIDER. 


CANTO  SECOND. 


Keep  thif  heart  laith  att  diligence,     Pro  v.  iv,  23. 


m: 


JL  O  keep  each  grace  alive  we  first  posscst. 
Ami  guard  with  holy  care  the  tempted  breast, 
Demands  iticessant  watching,  toil,  and  care, 
Incessant  solf.denial,  faith,  and  prayer* 
If  we  remit — the  enemy's  at  hand  ; 
Shall  tlie  guard  sleep — where  all  is  hostile  land  ? 
Christian !   'tis  but  a  inoment...watch  and  pray, 
Not  like  a  coward  cast  thy  shield  away  ; 
The  prize  is  certain— pilgrim,  linger  not, 
Tho*  rough  thy  journey,  and  severe  thy  lot ; 
Tho'  sharp  the  conflict  I  terrible  the  blast ! 
*Tis  but  a  momeBt,  and  the  warfare's  past : 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


25 


tfl'l'* 


.  iv.  *J3. 


St, 


and? 

pray, 


Let  gloomy  unbfilicf  no  more  cast  down— 

Thy  crown  is  great—let  no  man  steal  thy  crown, 

Let  this  SLc  least  alleviate  thy  woes, 

The  saints  of  old  had  passions,  they  had  foes, 

Like  thee,  they  oft  a  gloomy  desert  past, 

Like  thine,  their  sky  was  often  overcast, 

Their  path  thro'  darkest  dispensations  lay, 

And  many  a  fiery  trial  crossed  their  way  : 

They  had  their  chilling  doubts,  and  gloomy  fears. 

Their  days  of  conflict,  and  their  nights  of  tears  ; 

Fighting  without,  and  fears  within  oppress'd, 

And  many  a  thorn  was  planted  in  their  breast. 

But  they  had  consolation  rich  and  rare. 

Drawn  down  by  mighty  faith  and  fervent  prayer  ; 

And  hence  with  giant  hearts  and  strength  renew'd, 

The  thorny,  steep  ascent,  they  still  pursu'd. 

Let  tempest  rage,  and  furious  billows  whelm, 

They  ne'er  forsook  the  ship  nor  left  the  helm 

Till  they  arriv'd  on  the  delightful  shore, 

"  Where  billows  never  beat,  nor  tempests  roar," 

Like  them  press  on— thy  recompense  is  sure. 

For  every  evil,  patience  is  a  cure  ; 

Tis  but  a  moment,  and  the  strife  is  o'er, 

Another  blast  may  waft  thee  to  the  shore. 

If  sorely  tempted,  bear  it— nor  complain, 

For  Satan  has  a  limit  to  his  chain  : 

Let  prayer  be  all  thy  solace  and  resource, 

Thou  canst  not  take  a  more  judicious  course ; 


0 


P 


4 


"'"""*'''''*    '«IWII|pi»IPM«»w« 


'20 


TIIK     UACKSLIDFH. 


4 


The  winds  may  howl,  waves  dash,  and  night  be  dark, 
Courage  my  brother '..-.Christ  is  in  the  bark  ! 
Storms  may  arise,  and  billows  round  thee  rave, 
Thou  fitill  art  safe  while  Christ  is  strong  to  save. 

Then  O  !  belov'd  of  God  and  greatly  blest, 
To  wear  his  royal  image  on  your  breast ! 
Would  you  the  bright  immortal  tract  pursue  ? 
The  muse  presents  you  with  a  sacred  clue  ;.- 
First  mark  the  bounds  where  sin  and  duty'meet 
And  ponder  well  the  path- way  of  your  feet; 
Nor  dare  to  step  aside  in  thought  or  deed 
Tho'  custom,  friendship,  honour,  interest  plead  : 
Each  heart-emotion  guard  with  constant  care, 
And  bend  your  souls  to  discipline  and  prayer; 
With  caution  stir,  and  keep  this  truth 
Till  ye  are  dead  to  sin  it  lives  in  you. 
Still  onward  to  the  great  salvation  press, 
He  loses  all  his  love  who  aims  at  less  • 
Your  secret  enemy  is  deep  within 

Your  secret  enemy-.your  bosom  sin  ; 

Remote  from  view  the  fatal  traitor  lies, 

And  only  seen  by  penetrating  eyes  ; 

So  wily  adders  lurk  beneath  the  grass, 

And  bite  th'  unwary  trav'Iers  as  they  pass ; 

So  little  clouds  that  scarcely  speck  the  air 

AVhen  the  mild  day  is  beautiful  and  fair, 

Contain  the  storm  that  shakes  the  mighty  seas ; 

A»d  aesolates  the  laud,  and  ')trips  the  trees. 


Li 


in. 


k-> 


THE    MACKSLIDER. 


Look  deep  v/i(liin...tcar  of  each  latent  mask. 
The  lamp  of  truth  will  guide  you  in  the  task.' 
*'  Man  knozo  th^sdp'  Solf  knowlcd 
Of  holy  science,  and  the  christ 


go  is  a  part 


lan  art 


For  want  of  this,  a  thousand  sad  mistakes, 
The  mimic  saint  and  mock  disciple  makes. 
Hence  the  green  novice  deem?  the  t 


1^ 


e( 


aiise  he  felt  a  solitary  blast 


t'mi)cst  past. 


Or  ha\ing  borne,  unhurt,  a  trilling  shuck, 
iJolieves  his  virtues  moveless  as  a  rock  ; 
A  show  of  zeal  usurps  religion's  place, 
And  warm  ideas  pass  for  real  grace  • 
A  scrap  of  knowledge,  and  th'  exterior  paint 
Of  pseudo  christians,  form  the  tinish'd  saint ; 
Big  swelling  words  of  vanity  are  spoken,      ' 
Ere  self  is  humbled,  or  the  spirit  broken  ; 
And  some  profess  fair  purity  within, 

Clean  hearts—but  still  an  Ethiopian  skin.. 

These  are  so  careful  of  a  brother  grown 

Spy  ail  his  faults  but  overlook  their  own. 

The  sclf.conceited  fancy  heaven  is  sure, 

The  self-sufficient  need  no  gracious  cure  ; 

A  rotte.i,  threadbare,  homespun  righteousness,. 

Is  deem'd  a  rich  inimitable  dress  ; 

Tart  is  reform'd,  some  sins  are  laid  aside  j 

But  what  is  lost  in  vice  is  gain'd  in  pride. ' 

Thus  Satan  gains  his  tribute  not  the  less,  * 
And  owns  his  servant  in  another  dress : 

D  2 


/; 


28 


THE    BACKSLIDKR. 


h   I 


i 


*' Man  know  thyfelf,"  thr  safety  centres  hero; 
Nor  buy  this  knowledge,  as  the  most,  too  dear. 

These,  and  a  train  of  ills  the  muse  could  glance 

Spring  from  the  root  of  mole-eyed  ignorance. 

Hence,  let  the  christian  prove  himself,  and  try 

With  steady  balance,  and  impartial  eye  ; 

Be  every  secret  fold  of  nature  seen, 

And  not  a  foe  to  faith  or  morals  screen  j 

]Vot  a  minute  offence  or  latent  stain, 

Or  thought  that  dying  would  inflict  a  pain. 

Still  on  your  guard,  still  on  your  watch-tower  stand, 

Tho'  all  are  friends  within,  'tis  hostile  land  ; 

Hence,  lest  temptation  take  you  by  surprise  ; 

Like  the  cherubic  flames,  be  full  of  eyes  : 

All  circumspective  fear,    all  cautious  grace, 

All  living  zeal,  all  active  watchfulness  ; 

Instinct  with  eyes,  let  each  idea  roll, 

And  turn  them  inward,  full  upon  the  soul. 

Fix  on  thy  God  an  eye  of  filial  fear ; 

On  Jesus  fix  an  eye  of  faith  sincere: 

Fix  on  the  fiend  a  wary  jealous  ken. 

And  guard  thy  spirit  from  the  ways  of  men. 

The  soul  that  grows  in  wisdom,  love,  and  power. 

Looks  to  the  Lamb  for  help  each  fleeting  hour  : 

He  looks  to  Jesus  and  to  him  alone. 

For  grace  to  help,  and  mercy  to  atone  : 

He  looks  to  Jesus  in  his  deepest  grief, 

For  present  comfort,  succour,  and  relief. 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


2« 


In  fierce  temptation,  and  corroding  care, 

lie  looks  to  Jesus  who  dispels  the  snare. 

When  glooms  surround  and  thicken  o'er  his  head. 

And  rough  and  thorny  is  the  path  to  tread  3 

He  looks  to  Jesus,  and  the  morning  light, 

Succeeds  the  horrors  of  a  dismal  nifjht.  •  • 

If  worldly  friends,  and  worldly  comforts  fail. 

And  envy  bite,  and  calumny  assail, 

lie  looks  to  Jesus  in  the  time  of  need,  * 

And  finds  the  rock  a  refuge  from  the  reed.  '      ' 

By  wealth  exalted,  or  by  want  depress'd, 

By  friends  forsaken  or  by  friends  caress'd, 

He  looks  to  him  his  comfort  hope  and  guide, 

And  all  is  sweeten'd  bless'd  and  sanctified. 

Let  those  who  fall  away  thy  steps  deter, 

Thou  too  art  weak  and  liable  to  err; 

If  mighty  saints  from  lofty  summits  fall. 

Like  ruin'd  castles,   or  a  batter'd  wall ;  • 

If  Salem's  Prince,  the  man  of  holy  fame, 
Distinguish'd  zeal,  and  memorable  name, 
Whose  manners  charm'd,  whose  morals  brightly  shone, 
Whose  actions  were  illustrious  as  his  throne, 
Whose  sacred  harp  could  soothing  peace  infuse, 
Whose  melodies  were  equal'd  by  his  muse  : 
If  David  from  his  lofty  state  declin'd, 
If  he  debas'd  his  noble,  upright  mind. 
From  virtue's  holy  path-way  step'd  aside, 
And  lost  his  comfort  as  he  left  his  guide;  -  . 

j>  3 


^  ? 


'it 


30 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


Then  frailer  mortals  need  to  weep  and  fear, 
With  trembling  venture,  and  with  caution 'steer. 

Pilgrim  repel  the  sparks  of  inbred  sin, 

A  foe  is  fatal  that  has  strength  within  • 

Easy  each  infant-thought  we  may  controul, 

But  not  the  time.form'd  habit  of  the  soul. 

Happy  the  man  who  each  idea  spies, 

And  marks  emotions  how,  and  whence  they  rise 

Fosters  the  good,  but  curbs  the  viper  race,        ' 

By  strength,  deriv'd  from  all.sufficient  grace  : 

He  shall  from  strength  to  strength  delightful  rise, 

More  clear  his  light,  more  pure  and  sweet  his  joys. 

But  those  who  from  the  sacred  task  decline, 

In  fearful  barrenness  are  left  to  pine. 

God  never  gives  to  man  the  precious  loan 

Of  grace  and  help,  to  sink  him  to  a  drone  : 

High  on  the  ^cale  of  excellence  we  rise, 

When,  what  the  Lord  dispenses  mar.  employs  • 

Pleas'd  to  receive,  assiduous  to  improve. 

And  make  heaven's  gift  the  spring  of  faith  and  love. 

Shall  sky-born  goodness  make  us  more  remiss  ? 

Will  squalled  sloth  augment  celestial  bliss  ? 

Omissions  are  a  bane  to  peace,  tho'  less 

Abhor'd  than  crime  or  actual  wickedness  : 

Who  hides  his  talent  shall  as  surely  die, 

As  he  who  durst  his  Maker's  laws  defy.' 

Not  rub'd-the  brightest,  purest  steel  will  rust, 

Not  sweep'd-the  cleanest  room  is  soil'd  ^ith  dust| 


THE    BACKSLIDE 


li. 


Still  wate 


31 


rs  soon  corrupt  and  stagnant 


grow 


And  those  alone  are  pure  thafctasele.ss  ilow  ; 
So  is  the  human  soul,  Mifhont  due  care, 
Unceasing  vioilanre,  and  active  praje/; 
A  field  of  noxious  weeds,  a  stagnant  lake, 
A  barren  desert,  or  a  thorny  brake. 

Qrace  is  more  tender  than  the  plant  of  sense  ; 
Too  soon,  frail  mortals  lose  its  influence, 
Too  soon  we  pnt  Jehovah's  candle  out,  ' 
By  cold  negle.  t,  or  unbelieving  doubt : 
Each  moment  misapplied,  each  oversight, 
May  dim  the  lustre  of  supernal  light,  " 
A  bolder  act  of  sin,  may  spurn,  controul, 
And  cancel  half  the  vigour  of  the  soul, 
Rob  us  of  all  our  purity  and  grace, 
And  fix  the  stigma,  time  cannot  erase  : 
So  the  bleak  east  winds  unaus])icious  blast, 
Lays  all  the  garden's  pride,  and  beauty  waste. 
A  thousand  foes,  the  scandal  may  proclaim, 
A  thousand  upright  friends  uniie  to  blame, 
Malice  all  eager,  to  divulge  the  fall, 
Writes  every  failing,  with  a  |)en  of  gall ; 
Flies  thro'  the  land  ;  and  with  an  eagle's'  speed 
Resounds  the  crime,  from  Dover  to  the  Tweed  ' 
And  then,  ah  then  !  what  feelings  must  ensue, ' 
To  make  the  guilty  bosom  bleed  anew ! 
Without  'tis  scandal,  and  within  regret ; 
And  if  another  step  is  wanting  y^t^ 


s         <\ 


32 


THE    BACKSLIDEK, 


To  give  the  mournful  picture  deeper  gloom, 

It  is  II  broken  heart,  and  early  tomb  ! 

*'  J3ut  can  a  solitary  sin  controuf, 

**  The  holy  bi•^s  of  a  sky  bent  soul  ? 

**  Can  one  omission  make  devotion  cease, 

"  Distract  the  mind,  and  spoil  supernal  peace  ? 

**  Shall  one  improper  action,  word,  or  thought, 

*^  On  the  white  robe  of  virtue,  fix  a  blot  : 

"  A  single  act  of  sin— impossible  ! 

**  Habits  alone  must  pave  the  way  to  hell  1" 

Stay  friend,  your  moral  questions  shall  receiv<», 

As  clear  an  answer,  as  the  muse  can  give  ; 

First  let  this  solemn  truth  be  studied  well,' 

A  single  sin  is  half  a  miracle  J 

As  sure  as  sun.rise  is  the  cause  of  light, 

Each  sin  has  i(s  attendant  sattelite  ; 

A  conscience  tender,  delicate,  and  nice,       ' 

Feels  the  minutest  touch  of  menial  vice  ; 

The  smallest  sins,  a  sacred  sorrow  dart*; 

Repentance  follows,  and  a  contrite  heart ; 

The  pleading  tear,  the  supplicating  sigh,  ' 

Th' uplifted  hands,  the  interceding  eye, 

Join'd  to  a  distant  glimmer  of  the  cross. 

Relieve  the  conscience  and  repair  the  loss  ;  " 

A  solemn  peace,  o'er  all  the  bosom  steals, 

And  he,  >vho  feels  it  heaven,  and  pardon,  feels 

Again  the  flames  of  pure  devotion  blaze, 

The  heart  is  warm'd  with  gladness,  love,  and  praise, 


\i   J 


THE    BACKSLTDEU. 


Hope  smiles,  the  mind  is  easy  ;uid  serene, 
And  brightest  prospects,  gladden  all  (he  scene. 
But  if  a  new  relapse  should  soon  succeed, 
And  this  another,  and  another  breed, 
Till  every  filial  fear  is  laid  aside, 
And  care,  and  caution,  yield  to  sloth  and  pride  j 
Till  levity  and  trash,  the  mind  engross, 
Staining  the  glory  of  the  bleeding  cross  ; 
Till  hateful  lust  a  charming  aspect  wear, 
Vice  please,  and  foul  obliquity  seem  fair ; 
The  moral  sense  abused,  and  stunn'd  all  o'er 
Will  slightly  plead,  and  quickly  plead  no  more  : 
Each  inward  admonition  now  grown  less, 

And  smother'd  every  feeling  of  distress. 
Returning  tides  of  vicious  passions  prove, 
The  death  of  duty,  and  the  grave  of  love. 
Each  pure  intention,  sweetly  filial  fear. 
Each  blooming  hope,  each  rapture-speaking  (ear, 
Meekness,  soft  transcript  of  Emmanuel's  breast,  ' 
Sky  soaring  pray'r,  and  truth  with  lucid  vest, 
Mild  mercy,  chastity,  with  snowy  weeds, 
AndLynx-py'd  prudence,  queen  of  comely  deeds, 
Content,  and  lily-modest  lowliness. 
Firm  faith,  and  flame.bright  zeal  in  reason's  dress 
With  quiet  resignation,  all  serene,  * 

And  patience,  suiPring,  blooming  evcr.green. 
AH  all  rich  free  exhaustless  grace  bestows, 
That  faintly  glimmers  or  refulgent  glows, 


# 


N 


.^^smz, 


«afc.-,^«swt«yi4 


;  i 


f('i 


3i 


fJlL    IJACKSLIDEH. 


Whore  siu  is  lovM-waste,  widi.r,  c]! .  .pp.ar, 
^o  n  nitor  spoils  the  bloom  of  i.alf  tlio  year  • 

So  pain  and  grief,  the  fairest  forms  consnrne. 
^o  death  huris  all  our  glories  in  the  tomb. 

The  sour  less  conscious,  of  unTmllowM  deeds, 
^romM-eaktowicked,  had,  to  uorse  proceeds. 
Vico,  iH  Its  progress,  gains  a  (en.fold  strength 
Ak  rivers  widen  by  their  jTrowin-  length.      "^    ' 
i'^ach  act  of  sin,  impels  the  sonfto  more, 
^^>  waves  behind,  imi^el  the  waves  before. 

l^oth  vice  and  virtue  move,  by  due  degrees, 
As  tnigs  in  time  grow  up  to  mighty  trees 
None  are  all  virtuous  in  a  moment's  space. 

ISor  will  an  instant  stablish  us  in  grace. 

I  rogressive  virtue,  forms  the  christian  tono. 

And  v.co  repeated,  turns  the  heart  to  stone. 

A  few  indeed,  have  rapidly  declin'd, 

Or  wore  the  mask  of  piety  to  blind; 

i  lH.n  ,n  a  trice,  away  the  wizard  threw, 

Cia.m_d  their  old  shape,  and  shewM  their  blackmoor 

O.  If   hop.etythoylongprofess'd,  rj,„, 

''"^^'^^^----^--ofan  upright  breast,  ^ 

A  mystic  something  had  decay'd  the  root. 

I'^ve  fell  before  she  eat  the  falal  fruit- 

Iscariot  e'er  his  final  damuin^v  vice,     ' 

Had  sold  himself  to  sordid  av^irice' 

And  Demas,  some  unhallowed  view  poss.sf, ' 

^rctm^vilo  world  claim'd  empire  oVrhb  breast. 


'L.  M^i&         A 


\    ■- 


warn 


>c'ar, 

« 

le. 


eetis: 


lackmoor 
[hue. 


aia..m„„„,sll,<.  scale  f„  heaven  or  sinks  ,„,,„ 

Yo   m  .heir  speed,  a  striking  aiffercL-e  lie, 

So  on  the  eareh,  since  (he  first  cur«»  •         ' 
j;>o-a„f,arren,„„i,«::.;~''--''> 

J  -tes  grow  rapia,,,  and  notions  „e<I 
L"t  slow  and  gradual  rise  the  cornfu,  sJed 
A  .„,„..„  heart  is  sin's  congenial  soil, 
J     -0  v,ces  bloo.  .,th„„t  the  tiller-;  ton  . 

Ihe  nghteous  tree,  the  plant  of  par,dis.. 
;» --y.u,„,a„  breast,  as  sin  pre'    i,"' 
''"^,''°y«-'*"--r«dvi,„u.fai    ? 
Be.  .rtne  lost,  unceasing  Wees  spri;., 
A    I  add  new  feathers  to  corruption's  JL 

i':'''*!"f''''''-<'>'-iersofthe    rec^"' 

Truth  virtue  conscience  fairt  ,    ,  ' 

The  soul  can  ne'er  t»o  !  """"''""^  "*'''• 

If  virtue  fdls    I  """  "'"'"■'"^  «"•", 

If  1 1  ef  1       '  ""  '"'S"^  "■«  throne  • 

II  Hateful  Vice  rp/Tqin  fK  I      .  * 

I'hen  l„v„r  "'""*  'Command, 

ihen  lovely  grace,  is  banish'd  from  th.  r     t 

Hence,  lawless  passions  rule  Jtl.  ' 

And  gain  „e„  stren^rth     "  ^""'  '"'""'"•. 

H-ce  fair  reli;    ?le  "    "■"'  '""^  """  '»  ''""i 
»   .  •^••b'uiij  once  the  aiiP^n  ...•/x.*  ' 

I^'ediu  triumph  b,tH,,^J„,'»;;;-"''K 


:ast. 


«:n»>  of  canto  If. 


m 


THE  BACKSJLIDEM.   . 


CANTO  THIRD. 


Thine  oven  backs! idings  shall  reprove  thee.  Jer.  li.  19. 


SEBEUS,  bright  in  grace,  and  virtue  shone, 
Thro  every  church  his  love  and  zeal  were  known, 
And  many  an  hardy  blast,  he  firmly  stood, 
His  life  a  lovely  thread  of  moral  good  ; 
Were  any  sick,,  'twas  his  continual  care. 
Beside  the  sick  man's  bed,  to  bend  in  pray'r  ; 
Whate'er  for  God  his  truth-taught  judgment  plan'd| 
A  generous  soul,  warm  heart,  and  ready  hand 
Were  swift  to  execute, — his  ardent  zeal 
Was  prompt  at  duties  call,  or  woes  appeal ; 
To  hateful  strife,   and  blasting  envy  dead, 
Peace  o'er  his  breast,  her  gentle  banner  spread ; 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


37 


[I.        . 


er.  ii.  19. 


one, 


own, 


plan'd, 
nd 


ead; 


A  man  of  love, — for  all  his  kindness  shar'd ; 

A  man  whom  e'en  his  enemies  rever'd  ; 

Calm,  upright,  zealous,  active,  sweetly  kind, 

Foe  to  his  own,  to  others  failings  blind  ; 

Soft  as  a  lamb, — 'twas  his  unguarded  side  ; 

And  Ihere  the  tempter  his  devises  plied, 

Turning  from  Christ  his  single  eye  aside 

To  other  objects,   lawful  in  pretence  ; 

But  baneful,  poisonous  in  their  consequence  ; 

Till  from  it8  centre  warp'd,  th'  unguarded  mind, 

In  each  repeated  act  of  faith  declin'd, 

And  in  a  fatal,   inauspicious  hour, 

lie  fell  a  victim  to  the  tempter's  power  : 

He  fell,  but  did  not  quickly  rise  again, 

Abase  himself,  and  wash  away  the  stain. 

At  first,  he  wist  not  thai  his  strength  was  fled, 

Nor  thought  himself  by  sin  a  captive  led,' 

Subtle  and  fine,  the  tempter  wove  the  snare, 

A  greater  shock,  had  rous'd  him  into  pray'r  ; 

Yet  sweet  delights  in  duty  soon  decrease, 

The  holy  flames  of  pure  devotion  cease, 

Omissions  multiply  the  moral  sense, 

Starts  not  with  horror  at  a  small  o£fence,: 

And  now  a  wider  latitude  ensues, 

In  fancy,  conscience,  conversation,  views, 

Unlawful  images  the  fancy  please, 

Tho'  st^n'd— the  conscience  feels  an  awful  ease, 

B 


.58 


THE     BACKSLIDEIl. 


•  I  i 


Th'  unbridled  tongue,  at  silly  random  moves, 
And  the  warp'd  judgment,  scarcely  disapproves. 
Unchaste  desires,  and  base  emotions  rise, 
Barn  in  his  hearty  and  sparkle  in  his  eyes. 
False  hopes,  or  gay  deceit,   his  bosom  shares^ 
Pride  elevates,  or  rapid  anger  tears. 
Around  him,  waves  of  guilty  passions  roll, 
And  form  a  tempest  in  his  fallen  soul  : 
Or  lost  in  carnal  ease,  as  bad,  or  worse, 
He  feels  no  horror,  and  he  dreads  no  curse  : 
Yet  moments  in  the  soothing  calm  appear, 
\Vh«n  thund'ring  conscience  stuns  his  frighted  ear. 
Hark  !  from  his  lips,  what  keen  reproaches  dart, 
When  rous'd  to  feel  the  baseness  of  his  heart :  , 
O  faithless  faithless  heart !  I  know  thee  now, 
Of  all  my  foes,  the  worst,  the  vilest  ;  thou 
Art  cause  of  all  my  sorrow,  guilt  aad  strife, 
Source  of  my  sin,  and  torment  of  my  life  ! 
To  harm  me  all  the  powers  of  darkness  strove, 
The  world  spread  every  lure  to  tempt  my  love, 
Satan  and  sin,  their  gay  seducemeuts  spread, 
But  I  resisted,  and  the  Devil  fled ; 
Tempted,  but  still  I  bore  Emmanuel's  yoke, 
Till  my  weak  heart  its  firm  allegiance  broke. 
Why  did  I  listen  to  thy  lying  creed ! 
Why  trust  a  rotten  prop  I  a  broken  reed ! 
A  faithless  bow,  a  cavern  of  deceit, 
A  painted  harlot,  an  insidious  cheat ; 


\' 


THE   BACKSLIDEU. 


39 


Whoe'er  with  wily  llosh,  and  blood  confers, 
Like  me  alas !  that  awful  moment  errs, 
Who  listens  here,  will  pay,  with  many  a  sigh, 
And  knowlcdijo  rare  by  sad  experience  buy. 
Jjoauty  is  a  bewitching,  syren  snare, 
Hiclies,  and  ilattering  friends,  deceitful  are  ; 
A  hone ''d  tongue  may  hide  a  world  of  gall, 
But  a  deceitful  heart  out-vies  them  all. 
Fool  that  I  was,  to  tempt  the  faithless  brake  ♦ 
He's  sure  to  smart  who  trifles  with  a  snake. 
Why  did  I,  for  the  short  delights  of  sin. 
Sell  peace  and  joy,  and  purity  within  ! 
His  anger  risk,  whose  mandate  can  destroy, 
Our  creature  comforts  ere  we  taste  the  joy  5 
Make  each  lov'd  idol,  bitterly  chastise, 
And  plague  us  in  the  measures  we  devise. 
Me  long  his  pity  sav'd,  his  love  caress'd, 
lis  smile  delighted,  and  his  presence  bless'd  ; 
But  ah  !  those  blessings,  are  for  ever  lost  I 
The  sick  man's  refuge,  and  the  good  man's  boast. 
And  now  alas !  I  wander  to  and  fro. 
My  guilly  bosom  is  the  throne  of  woe  ; 
Without  a  hope  that  pardon  will  relume, 
The  mora!  darkness  of  my  mental  gloom, 
Or  lift  my  feet  up,  from  this  miry  pit. 
In  li;j;ht  and  love  w  ith  Christ  once  more  to  sit  I 
For  if  abused  mercy  would  restore 
The  real  bliss  which  absent  I  deplore, 

e2         * 


40 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


And  I  retrieve  my  forfeit  peacp,^as  swift 
As  thro'  neglect,  I  lost  the  precious  gift  ; 
The  blessed  loan,  I  might  abase  again, 
Plunge  into  sin,  and  feel  a  deeper  stain. 
8ore  tempted,  fiilllng,  lost,  betray'd,  undone, 
Too  weak  to  conquer,  and  to  fond  to  shun  : 
I  know  that  sin  is  bane,  and  virtue  bliss. 
Vet  strange  I  I  follow  that,  abandon  this. 
This  moment  lo  I  fall,   the  next  repent. 
Curse  my  base  heart,  and  in  the  dust  lament ; 
iSincerely  weep,  condemn,  abhor  and  pray, 
Yield  the  next  hour,  relapse  and  fall  away. 
See  tiie  big  tear  just  starting  from  my  eye, 
Mark  the  deep  anguish  of  that  inward  sigh  ; 
But  all  are  lost,  nor  sighs  nor  tears  can  win, 
Tho  mighty  bias  of  my  soul  from  sin  : 
Coudemn'd  a  thousand  times  without  avail, 
JVTy  bosom  pleads,  I  listen  to  the  tale  ; 
The  tempter  lays  the  bane  and  gilds  the  cup, 
And  I  unguarded  diink  the  poison  up. 


A  thousand  flaws  my  resolution  mar  ; 

And  like  a  p  ssing  cloud  or  shooting  star. 

Each  holy  thought  is  now  a  transient  guest, 

That  flits,  but  does  not  settle  in  my  breast. 

Some  glimmering  vestiges  I  often  trace, 

The  mournful  remnants  of  my  former  grace  ; 

But  these  alas  I  are  languishing  and  few, 

Like  (juivering  leaves  just  dropping  from  the  bough, 


».** 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


41 


Or  the  morn's  blue  mist  and  Ephemeral  dew. 
For  me  no  comforts  from  the  Spirit  flow, 
It's  i    i  tie  gales  on  me  no  longer  blow  ; 
No  c  '    ring  smiles  EmmanuePs  face  adorn, 
My  gloomy  night  has  no  reviving  morn  : 
No  blooming  sweets  of  paradise  I  taste, 
No  springs  of  living  pleasure  glad  the  waste, 
Summer  is  gone,  and  copious  harvest  past, 
And  I  unsav'd  must  brave  the  winter  blast. 
For  not  alone  my  comforts  are  decay'd, 
A  dismal  cloud  has  wrap'd  my  soul  in  shade, 
All  inward  power,  all  inward  life  is  lost, 
Each  heav'h-born  vigour  the  devout  man's  boast; 
Gay  lucid  hope,  fair  daughter  of  the  sky, 
No  longer  lifts  my  rapture-speaking  eye ; 
Celestial  love,   bright  jewel  of  the  breast, 
Of  all  our  bliss  the  richest  and  the  best 
Glows  in  my  heart  no  more,  no  more  inspires, 
Serenest  joy,  and  corvsocratcd  fi:  ?s  : 
Love's  fairest  daughters,  prayer  and  praise  decline, 
So  grapes  decay  when  sap  forsakes  the  vine. 
And  faith's  bright  vision  of  a  world  unseen 
Where  trees  of  pleasure  bloom  for  ever  green 
Is  past — a  cloud  of  darkness  guilt  and  sin, 
Has  dim'd  the  brightness  of  that  light  within. 
In  this  dilemma  all  bcreflf 'of  aid. 
By  Cod  l\)rsakeii,  and  by  fiends  betray 'd, 

e3 


i  It 


bough, 


42 


THE    BACKSLIOEll. 


Whither  for  peace  and  refuge  shall  I  turn  ! 
My  heart  that  sickens  and  my  eyes  that  mourn  I 
Had  I  in  this  sad  school  of  deep  distress, 
A  soothing  friend  to  comfort  and  to  bless, 
To  counsel,  warn,  encourage,  and  reprove, 
To  bear  my  load,  fulfil  the  law  of  love  : 
It  might  assuage  my  grief,  it  might  repress 
The  pangs  I  feel,  and  make  distraction  less. 
The  voice  of  love  a  lenient  balm  affords, 
Of  sweetest  counsel  and  consoling  words. 
Dear  to  the  suflfering  soul  when  much  oppress'd, 
Is  the  soft  pillow  of  affection's  breast ; 
Grief  pours  her  sorrow  in  the  list'ning  car, 
Sigh  follows  sigh,  and  tear  descends  for  tear. 
Mild  words  and  soft  expressions  well  applied, 
Like  beds  of  roses  scatter  fragrance  wide. 
And  as  the  oil  Samaria's  son  conveyed, 
Heal  the  torn  heart,  relieve  the  throbbing  head  : 
Friendship,  divinest  bond  of  sweet  delight, 
Is  bliss  unrival'd  when  the  just  unite. 
The  pure  in  heart  foretaste  the  joys  above, 
In  the  mild  sweets  of  undissembled  love. 


But  me  deprived  of  this  divine  relief, 
Must  feel  the  pangs  of  solitary  grief ! 
Brother  and  friend,  my  hat«d  path  forsake. 
And  shun  my  converse  as  tbey  shun  a  snake. 


Tin:    BACKSLIDER. 


43 


al 


Hence  (laom'd  to  bear  the  reprimanding  look, 

And  blotted  from  afVection's  Iioly  book, 

I  wander  desolate,  forlorn,  alone. 

Sigh  to  the  winds,  and  to  tlie  desert  moan. 


n 


a, 


id: 


Thus  full  of  silent  grief  and  real  woo, 

Where  shall  the  cross'd  desponding  sinner  go  ! 

To  God  he  does  not  lift  his  aching  eye, 


O 


s  languid  wishes  to  the  sky  ; 
greatness  of  his  moral  stain, 


raise 
Lost  in  t 

He  deems  the  best  expedient  prayer,  in  vain  : 
And  like  a  broken  vessel  on  the  wave. 
Without  a  helm  to  guide  or  port  to  save, 
His  harrassM  soul  is  sorely  toss'd  about, 
The  sport  of  sorrow,  sadness,  fear,  and  doubf. 
On  this  hand  gulfs  of  hideous  ruin  glare. 
There  yawns  the  roaring  whirlpool  of  despair  : 
But  no  mild  Saviour  walks  upon  the  tide. 
To  bid  the  winds  be  still,  the  waves  subside. 
Sometimes  he  sees  a  peaceful  port  at  hand, 
He  gains  a  glimmer  of  the  promis'd  land. 
But  sin  and  nature  with  resistless  sway, 
Bear  him  in  spite  of  all  the  other  way. 
Ask  him  to  read  the  word  of  life,  and  there 
Obtain  a  peaceful  haven  from  de^air ; 
Fix'd  unbelief  starts  up  the  common  plea, 
Such  boundless  goodness  cannot  reach  to  me ; 
For  me  no  portion  in  the  gospel  shines, 
For  me  no  blessingFi  fill  the  sacred  lines. 


t  its 


1 


44 


THE    BACKSLIDER, 


I'-.' 


Tho  page  of  promise  is  a  rich  repasf. 
Sweeter  than  purest  honey  to  the  taste  ; 
Yet  I  no  peace  in  all  the  scriptures  feel, 
I  cannot  loose  the  promise  hiding  seal, 
Of  wrath,  and  death,  and  penal  -.voe  I  read, 
And  meet  a  curse  where  I  a  comfort  need, 
But  not  a  text  to  animate  my  breast, 
Or  set  these  vexing  weary  doubts  at  rent. 
How  rash,  how  wild,  how  sore  a  thing  it  is, 
To  quit  the  source  of  never-failing  bliss, 
And  for  a  moment's  pleasing  sin  forego 
Months  of  sweet  peace,  and  risk  eternal  woe  : 
ilow  easy  God  in  righteous  judgment  may, 
Tear  every  idol  from  our  hearts  aM'ay, 
Turn  the  delights  that  issued  in  our  fair, 
To  teasing  cares,  and  rivulets  of  gall. 
Who  leaves  his  Maker  for  the  lure  of  gold. 
Who  for  a  friend  forsakes  Emmanuel's  fold, 
Who  to  procure  a  reputable  name, 
Puts  out  the  vital  Sjark  of  holy  flame. 
May  fin-l  the  glitt'rtng  gold  a  shining  curso, 
The  r*icnd  belov'd  a  broken  reed  or  worse  : 
The  smiling  reputation  not  exempt 
From  sad  reverse,  may  issue  in  contempt : 
Or  God  in  pity  to  eft'ect  his  euro, 
May  blast  his  property,  and  leave  him  poor  .- 
And  by  a  penal  stroke,  his  soul  to  save. 
Consign  the  friend  he  doats  on  to  a  grave  : 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


45 


Permit  a  Shim^i's  malice  to  asperse 

Ills  name,  and  all  his  weakness  to  rehearse; 

Till  every  hope  of  creature  comfort  fliesj 

And  every  flower  of  consolation  dies, 

Kach  cistern  drain'd,  each  darling  Josepli  lost, 

ISach  gourd  consumed,  and  each  prospect  cross'd^ 

He  feels  his  error,  owns  the  dreadful  rod, 

And  trembling  sinks  upon  the  arm  of  Gixl* 

But  if  these  means  of  rigid  mercy  fail. 

Restraining  mercy  may  recall  his  bail : 

And  if  the  wretch  is  madly  bent  on  til, 

God  may  give  up  the  sinner  to  his  will : 

May  grant  him  all  his  wicked  heart  requires^ 

His  thought  encircles  or  his  eye  desires ; 

Till  prospects  smile,  and  summer  friends  abound^ 

Till  riches  flow,  and  oil  and  wine  surround, 

Till  curs'd  with  every  blessing  nature  lends, 

Health,  honour,  gold,  ease,  luxury,  and  friends^ 

No  hand  to  stop  him,  and  no  rein  to  check, 

The  loos'ned  bridle  laid  upon  the  neck, 

He  scours  the  lawn,  or  courses  o'ei  the  plain, 

Or  with  favonian  breezes  skims  the  main. 

Nor  marks  the  dismal  shoals  beneath  his  lee, 

Nor  heeds  the  gulf  of  deep  eternity, 

Till  on  the  gloomy  coast  his  bark  is  tost. 

Ho  strikes,  and  sinks,  and  is  for  ^vcv  lost. 


' 


*;5 


46 


THE    BACKSMDEK. 


-i.tj 


Hoavcns  !   shall  we  linger,  trille,  anil  exjject,' 

Got!  and  our  hearts  will  wink  at  each  neglect t 

Shall  we  the  line  of  lawful  things  extend, 

And  rashly  venture  to  its  farthest  end  ? 

O  blind  to  danger !  and  a  point  so  nice, 

Virtue's  last  limit  is  the  verge  of  vice : 

Fiiie  are  the  lines  that  good  and  ill  divide, 

Virtue  on  this,  vice  on  ihe  other  side  ; 

A  thought,  a  wish,  a  warm  desire  may  stroll 

Across  the  bounds,  and  desecrate  the  suul, 

So  easy  past — but  with  unceasing  pain 

And  tears  of  woe,  we  find  our  peace  again : 

Or  if  perchance  we  should  regain  the  bliss. 

Which  more  than  three  to  one  that  wander  miss , 

Will  our  eternal  crown  as  brightly  shine. 

As  if  we  ne*er  had  left  the  path  divine  } 

The  saints  might  long  suspect  us  insincere, 

Our  friends  would  tremble,  and  our  pastor's  fear: 

The  sacred  cause  thro*  every  vein  might  bleed, 

And  fues  in  triumph  blaze  abroad  the  deed  ; 

While  many  a  painful  thought  would  pierce  the  brcasf. 

And  many  a  bitter  hour  disturb  the  rest. 

How  ni  edful  'tis,  to  pray  and  watch  and  weep, 

And  steer  with  care...we  sail  a  faithless  deep  ; 

When  all  is  peaceful  as  a  summer's  lake, 

Fre  zephyrs  blow  or  little  billows  break  ; 

When  not  a  motion,  not  a  cloud  is  seen, 

Or  breath  of  wind  to  trouble  the  serene  ; 


A 


THE    BACKSLlDEll. 


47 


t: 


ircasf. 


Be  on  thy  guard^  the  fatal  storm  is  nigh, 

Still  moves  tlie  tempest  that  shakes  all  the  sky. 

Who  would  a  moment  lay  him  down  and  doze^ 

AVith  death  before  him  and  eternal  woes  I 

And  is  he  less  the  dupe  of  folly  ?  say 

Who  dare  be  trifling,  jocular,  and  gay, 

While  life,  and  death,  and  wrath,  and  glory  strive, 

To  keep  his  solemn  thought  and  just  concern  alive. 

See  the  Messiah  in  our  vale  and  trace, 

A  smile  of  mirth  on  that  mild  sorrowing  face, 

No  he  was  thoughtful— 'Twas  a  solemn  deed 

For  sin  to  sutfer,  and  for  man  to  bleed. 

Shall  man  be  trifling  at  the  vast  expense 

Of  prayer  reflection  time  and  penitence? 

When  death  with  all  his^  solemn  train  is  near, 

The  grave,  shroud,  coffin,  mattock,  pall  and  bier  P 

The  land  unknown,  th'  irrevocable  doom, 

Th*  eternal  world  of  terror  and  of  gloom  ? 

Go  trifler  to  the  dying  sinner's  bed ! 

Or  when  the  vital  spark  of  life  has  fled, 

Ask  the  lost  spirit,  ask  the  lifeless  clod, 

If  levity  and  trifling  lead  to  God! 

Who  greedily  imbibes  a  mortal  pest, 

Who  puts  a  deadly  scorpion  to  his  breast; 

Acts  not  so  rashly  mad,  and  desper«t«| 

As  b«  who  trifles  on  the  brink  of  fat?. 


i 

n 


n 


1 1 

i 


f 


V 


a 


h 


48 


TIIK    UACKSLIDEK. 


Wild  owns  a  thought,  would  sure  his  footsteps  guard^ 

If  near  a  Tiger's  tlen  or  raging  I'ard  ; 

And  have  we  not  a  roaring  lion  tiear, 

To  wake  our  caution,  stimulate  our  fear? 

A  thousand  fieudij  surround  us  in  disguise, 

Of  I'very  horrid  name  and  giant  size; 

Foes  to  his  peace,  the  good  man's  path  they  tracky 

Allure  tho  himple,  turn  the  unsteady  back  ; 

And  ply  their  arts  at  that  peculiar  place, 

V>y  nature  weak,  till  fortified  by  grace  i 

They  look  thro'  man,  his  inmost  essence  spy, 

Form  the  wild  wish,  and  feed  tU*  unhallowed  joy  ; 

Tile  tender  buds  of  infant  grace  deform, 

And  raise  the  blasts  of  ang  •'  to  a  storm. 

To  give  the  timid  sinner  wider  scope, 

To  cheat  the  conscience  with  a  lying  hope; 

They  hold  a  magic  glass  before  the  sight, 

That  show  s  each  object  in  a  different  light : 

He  nee  thirst  of  money,  avarice  of  praise, 

The  love  of  fashion,  and  the  love  of  ease, 

Appear  as  lawful  innocent  and  good, 

As  sprightly  health,  and  life  sustaining  food  : 

Soft,  needless  self  indulgence  steals  the  name 

Of  balm  for  health  to  wash  away  the  blame  ; 

When  duty  calls,  *tis  silenc*d  with  a  plea 

'Tts  damp,  I'm  sick,  or  have  not  been  to  tea : 

Here  O  ye  faithful  danger  chiefly  lies ; 

These  are  the  wiles  the  cunning  tempter  tries ; 


TIIC   BACKSLIDER. 


An  angi'i^s  bcatiilc  form  lie  wears, 

AVhilc  truth  perverted  baits  his  hellish  suares  ; 

Iteneath  the  veil  of  unforbidden  things. 

As  bees  in  buds  he  hides  his  poisonM  stings  ; 

We  taste,  we  dally  with  th*  ensnaring  bait. 

And  often  find  our  danger  when  too  late. 


49 


EMD  or  CA!«TO  Iff. 


>♦» 


*.     • 


'     ■•'•$•••    •'.♦'. 


■■  -.>-A 


l''    i^ 


f 


THE  BACKSMDEM. 


CANTO  FOURTH. 


/  will  heal  their  BacksUdings,     Hos.  xir.  4. 


The  first  emotions  of  the  human  will, 

Are  like  descending  from  a  lofty  hill  j 

We  go  a  little,  but  as  we  proceed, 

Towards  the  bottom,  feel  a  quicker  speed ; 

Swifter  and  swifter,  lo  we  run  we  fly, 

Till  choice  is  chang'd  to  sad  necessity. 

If  roving  fancy  eye  th'  ensnaring  bane, 

Thought  may  admit  and  court  the  moral  stain  5 

Nature  is  tinder  and  will  easy  catch, 

If  we  or  Satan  but  apply  the  match ; 

From  warm  to  warmer  quick  the  flame  proceeds, 

From  thoughts  to  wishes,— frgm  desires  to  dteds ; 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


51 


■r* 


Till  the  soul  start  as  from  a  dream  and  miss, 
All  but  the  memory  of  her  former  bliss. 
Stoni  justice  quick  demands  her  full  arrears, 
Of  death  aud  hell,  but  pitying  merry  spares, 
And  grants  the  ruin'd  rebel  longer  space. 
To  bend  repentent  at  the  throne  of  grace  ; 
III  deep  abasement  to  confess  the  deed, 
Or  that,  or  vengeance,  makes  the  sinner  bleed : 
Weeks,  months  of  pain  succeed  the  vile  offencei 
Keen  sorrow,  burning  shame,  and  penitence ; 
So  dear  the  short»Uv'd  sweets  of  sin  we  buy, 
Risk  endless  glory  for  a  guilty  toy, 
That  toy  a  plague  and  torment  when  posses*t, 
Stings  like  an  adder  and  corrodes  the  breast* 

Kut  some  who  fall  are  soon  restor'd  again, 

To  all  they  lost  with  unexpected  gain. 

Ere  the  soft  heart  be  harden' d  into  stone, 

Ere  virtue  be  subverted  from  her  throne, 

Ere  the  last  check  of  conscience  die  away. 

Ere  evil  habits  gain  despotic  sway. 

They  w^eep  their  fall,  pray,  supplicate,  and  groan, 

l)*'op  in  the  dust  at  the  all -gracious  throne  ; 

Till  mercy  heal  their  woes,  their  sins  forgive^ 

And  bid  the  weeper  shine,  arise  and  live. 


I ' 


s; 


fiome  often  fall  and  still  as  oft  repent, 
yiistable  SIS  the  wiit'ry  element; 

f3 


52 


THE    BACKSTADril. 


Xot  firmly  grounded  on  the  mighty  rofK, 

Sot  like  the  beaten  anvil  to  the  shock  ; 

'Twixt  good  and  ill  they  vibrate  too  and  frt>, 

Like  tender  osiers  when  the  breezes  blow  ; 

So  weak  the  rapid  tide  they  cannot  stem, 

Xor  bear  the  fiery  foes  that  harrass  them ; 

Yet  so  sincere,  that  in  some  happy  honr, 

The  Lord  redeems  them  from  the  tempter'^  pijwei. 

Confirms  and  fortifies,  with  grace  and  zeal, 

And  makes  them  steidy  as  a  wall  of  steel.  ' 

Some,  all  the  power  of  fair  religion  lost, 

A  lifeless  form,  an  empty  shadow  boast ; 

Faith,  love,  and  zeal  are  blotted  from  the  breast,  ' 

Yet  conscience  sleeps  serene  in  carnal  rest ; 

Knowledge,  and  barren  duties  still  suppIy^, 

The  place  of  holy  love  and  holy  joy  ; 

Fill'd  with  a  false  Laodicean  ease, 

Serene,  tho'  cold,  and  settled  on  their  lees^ 

They  jog  along  without  a  care  to  gain. 

The  solid  bliss  they  lost  without  a  pain. 


1 


But  some  who  deviate  and  deeply  *rr, 

Shut  the  bright  gates  of  bliss  and  woo  despair, 

Tiu»  night  and  day  in  misery  arc  past ; 

Ij^ch  more  acutely  painful  than  the  last. 

The  body's  ill  wc  may  awhile  sustain, 

Smile  on  tho  rack,  and  triumph  over  pain  ; 

IJut  who  can  bear  the  spirits  keen  distress, 

\Vh;U  mind  couc»'ive  it.  or  \^hat  words  exprcs?  ; 


riiK  itAi  KSi.inr.u. 


bA 


Thf  M;ir.miul«»  wiilnw  may  fi)ri;ot  lior  grlrf, 
Tt'iKs  snath  hor  u«m»,  and  hopo  aU'ord  ri'licf. 
A  m«»(hor\s  sorrow  lik«»  a  (onvnl  wild, 
Whon  doath  has  roh'd  hrr  of  au  only  child,  ^ 
YioUis  to  tin*  hopo  ofnu'otini;;  in  (lu*  hky, 
^Vhovo  ros»'S  novor  fado  nor  children  die. 
l*ain  \'vv]ii  a  ri'spito  of  sevrrost  wix*, 
AVhi  n  opiai<'!«  lull  and  cheorinu;  cordials  glow  ; 
And  still  nmiitst  t'xcruciating  sinarl, 
Hojio  soolhrs  (hr  panp;  that  tears  th»'  (lirohbini;  hoar<, 
l>»'4uilos  tho  ills  tliat  m  cM-ping  mortals  feel, 
And  greatly  lessens  what  she  cannot  heal, 
AmiiNt  the  furious  storm  that  round  him  pours, 
The  u  ind  that  whistles  and  the  sea  that  roars  ; 
*J  lie  hardy  tar  upon  j-omi*  foreign  shore, 
Jlr'.m-broUe  card  washM  away  a«id  canvas  tore, 
II ix  mast  o'erboard,  his  vessel  a  mere  wreck, 
And  surging  billows  rolling  o'er  the  <leck  ; 
Feels  hope  support  his  anxious  mind,  and  hark! 
Jle  cheers  his  shipmates,  tries  to  save  his  bark. 
Thus  every  ill  with  which  frail  mortals  cope, 
Is  mix'd  with  drops  of  life.inspiring  hope, 
I»ut  who  can  sooth  the  s|>irit's  keen  disease, 
What  balm  can  heal  it  or  what  gifts  appease  ? 
Woe  is  th"  tnotto  of  our  mortal  state, 
And  ills  on  ills  for  ever  round  us  wait. 
Thick  as  the  leaves  of  autumn  on  the  plain, 
And  fierce  as  storm-lash'd  billows  of  the  main. 

r  3 


:i.-~:'-<-^ 


64 


THE    BACKSLIDEU. 


H 


1^' 


I 


ilii 


But  all  the  evils  erring  mortals  ftel, 
The  Wftcd  axe,  the  dislocating  wheel, 
i'he  fever's  rage,  the  stone's  exquisite  smart. 
Are  nothing  to  this  demon  of  the  heart. 

In  terror  clad  the  Deity  is  seen, 

But  no  mild  interce.ssor  stands  between     - 

The  guilty  soul,  and  sin  avenging  God, 

To  calm  his  fury  and  arrest  his  rod  ; 

AVith  terms  of  peace  fierce  wrath  to  rcroncile 

And  bid  red  burning  justice  wear  a  smile. 

On  guilt  alone  this  deadly  night-shede  grows, 

Guilt,  fruitful  mother  of  our  many  woes. 

fears  spring  from  guilt,  and  unbelief  from  fear. 

That  deems  all  lost,  this  reads  no  mercy  near.  ' 

To  hapless  souls  endued  with  passions  strong, 

These  hateful  mental  maladies  belong. 

Sin  swells  immense,   the  mountain  magnifies. 

And  blots  the  star  of  mercy  from  the  skies 

Each  fault  the  stamp  of  aggravation  bears. 

Each  stain  a  tint  of  deepest  crimson  wears  - 

Each  slip  in  fancy,  action,  thought,  or  word. 

htings  like  an  asp,  or  pierces  like  a  sword, 

While  dread  without  and  terror  from  within, 

Annex  a  direful  curse  to  every  sin. 

Now  Satan  every  hellish  art  essays, 

T'  increase  the  storm  and  swell  the  angry  sea^i 

And  shifts  his  fatal  tack  from  side  to  side,         ' 

Xo  raise  the  wretch's  fear  or  swell  his  pride. 


' 


THE    IIACKSMDCli 


05 


f'od  might  a  liitle  huh  or  hvo  pass  l,v, 
«ii'^  yours,   (cbsorvo  the  wily  f.-mptor's  li<.) 
i'xoM'd  the  limits  of  almighty  crracf, 
( 'l.risrs  blood  can't  cleanse  th.m,  nor  thy  tears  efTacc  ' 
.^o  dire  th'  onence,  the  stain  as  deep  us  hell, 
And  pardon  is  a  thinj^  impossible. 
'i''io  promise  shines,  but  still  new  doii!  {.,  .snq.Tosf^ 
(Jrace  never  will  relume  the  sinner's  breast  T 
And  here's  the  dreadful  worm  that  gnaws  m  ithin 
riio  doubiful,  dismal,  deadly,  damping  sm.       ' 
Donbls  rise  on  doubts,  and  fear  to  fear  succeeds, 
D.stress'd,  appal'd,  he  trembles  while  he  reads  : 
JJeholds  an  angry  curse  on  every  leaf, 
While  every  scripture  aggravates  his  grief. 

Sin  after  grace  !— and  after  pardon  falls  ! 

The  fatal  fearful  blasphemy  he  calls  ; 

And  many  a  text  the  wily  fiend  M'ill'cite, 

To  justify  the  lie  and  prove  it  right. 

All  comfort  from  the  sacred  volume  lied, 

'Tis  cast  aside  and  seldoin  ever  read  • 

Or  only  read  to  aggravate  his  case, 

And  drive  the  exile  from  the  realms  of  grace. 

Silent  and  sad  the  live-long  day  he  sits 

Absorb'd  in  thought  like  one  bereft  of  wits  : 

Lost  in  a  maze  of  dark  intricate  doubt 

No  star  to  cheer,  no  path  to  lead  him  o'ut ; 

Kmba  rass'd,  craz'd,  bewilder'd,  and  perplex'd 

I^eace  bleeds,  hope  dies,  and  wild  despair  comes  ne.^t 


bQ 


THE    I}ACK.SLIJ)Klt. 


•Hu 


.»  / 


'J 


With  frightful  Ihoughts  his  foar-struck  fancy  teems, 

Aiiil  images  of  woe  perplex  his  dreams. 

I'r.ixcr  is  abandouM,  can  the  mind  aspire 

M  hen  hope  no  longer  feeds  the  sacred  fire  ? 

No  friends,  no  consolation  can  beguile, 

Or  t,ild  his  gloomy  features  with  a  smile, 

Lo^t  to  the  useful  world  and  ail  \i>  cares, 

Lost  to  his  honour,  profit,  and  aliairs  ; 

Lost  to  the  sinless  sweets  of  tranquil  life  ; 

TiOst  to  his  parents,  children,  home,  and  wife. 

I! is  hollow  eyes  with  wild  expression  stare. 

His  haggard  looks  bespeak  corroding  care  : 

His  soul  is  on  a  restless  ocean  tost. 

His  heart  congeal'd  with  everlasting  frost. 

Without  an  anchor,   pilot,  star,   or  helm, 

'J'remendous  billows  threaten  to  overwhelm  : 

The  scene  is  dismal  and  the  sky  overcast. 

Loud  roars  the  wave,  and  fiercely  howls  the  blast. 

Blue  guilt  quick  (lashes  thro'  the  tortur'd  soul, 

And  deep  the  peals  of  angry  vengeance  roll ; 

Like  swelling  seas  blasphemous  thoughts  arise, 

And  dash  their  impious  billows  'gainst  the  skies. 

No  hand  to  help,  no  peaceful  haven  near, 

Fear  chills,  and  sullen  hate  succeeds  to  fear. 

Mercy  is  past,  the  wretched  sinner  cries, 

Mercy  is  past,  the  wily  fiend  replies  ; 

Mercy  is  past,  my  rebel  soul  is  curs'd, 

Justice  strike  home,  and  vengeance  do  thy  worst. 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


67 


as, 


liilej nal  demons  round  thtir  victim  wait, 
i^ir-iuo  and  vox  him  with  unceasing  hate, 
lie  feels  the  earnest  of  an  awful  doom, 
Solicits  death,  but  dreads  the  wrath  to  come. 
Pride,  horror,  rage,  sit  hateful  on  his  face, 
flis  words  express  a  fix'd  disdain  of  grace  ; 
flencc,  scorning  mercy  with  his  latest  breath, 
lie  sinks  blaspheming  to  the  shades  of  death. 
So  Spira  died,  so  died  unhappy  Pope,^ 
Rejecting  mercy  and  renouncing  hope, 
Rushing  unpardon'd,  thro'  the  d'smal  gloom 
Of  restless  death,  to  a  more  dreaded  doom. 
While  those  alas,  in  hideous  gulphs  are  lost, 
On  rocks  of  bold  presumption  these  are  tost ; 
O'erleap  a  fence,  the  work  of  many  years, 
Resign  their  scruples,  and  repress  their  fears. 
'Tis  true,  an  inward  falling  must  precede, 
The  heart's  emotions  form  the  outward  deed } 
Conscience  affrighted  at  the  awful  brink. 
Of  guilt  and  ruin,  will  a  moment  shrink, 
But  lull  the  wakeful  monitor  asleep. 
The  vsinner  fearless  takes  the  horrid  leap, 
Down  the  deep  direful  gulph  wit.iout  remorse, 
So  to  the  battle  springs  the  head-strong  horse. 
Now  sins  couceal'd,  extinguish'd,  or  suppress'd, 
Rise,  swell,  encrease,  and  deluge  all  the  breast ; 

*   William  Pojie,  of  Bolton,  In  Lnncatihirc. — Sec  Mothotli'^t 

.Miiii'izitii*. 


Wt 


68 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


I     *t   n 


The  passions  own  the  change,  and  now  a  gust 

Of  hellish  rage  impels  or  foaming  lust. 

Foul  demons  quench  the  glimmering  sparks  of  grace, 

And  vices  bloom  in  each  vacated  place  : 

Till  finally,  the  last  restraint  thrown  olT, 

Religion  meets  his  ridicule  and  scoff? 

Wiser  than  what  is  written,  now  he  needs 

^'0  stupid  parsons,  or  fanatic  creeds, 

Cut  hopes,— for  conscience  is  not  quite  at  rest  j 

Hell,  and  the  bible,  are  a  sacred  jest. 

To  infidelity  he  flics  for  ease, 

And  gulps  its  fatal,  dire  absurdities. 

Shame,  guilt,  remorse,  bright  hope,  or  filial  fear, 

The  pious  sigh,  the  sin-relenting  tear. 

Alike  are  foreign  to  his  soul,  and  now 

Tho' stain'd  with  guilt,  no  blushes  din  his  brow  : 

Or  if  a  little  qualm  should  intervene, 

Or  on  a  ha7y  day  the  gloomy  spleen 

So  call  it,  give  Ids  breast  a  sudden  bite. 

Infuse  a  doubt,  and  whisper  he's  not  right, 

Sly  conscience  twinge  him,  or  new  fears  disturb, 

And  vidous  passions  feel  a  partial  curb, 

Indignant  nature  spurns  the  feeble  yoke  ; 

And  dashes  all  to  pieces  with  a  stroke. 

So  a  sw'oln  Hood  with  agitated  force, 

bursts  every  bound,  that  checks  its  rapid  course, 

Roars,  dashes,  foams,  and  pours  thro' every  vent, 

?Jorf^  fif  I'cely  for  tlu?  short  imprUimc-nt. 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


69 


race, 


ar. 


y 


Callous,  unfeeling,  and  without  a  fear, 
JIcll  in  the  f.out,  and  justice  in  tlie  rear, 
He  rolls  in  sin  till  vengeance  with  a  frown. 
Draws  the  red  sword,  and  cuts  the  rebel  down. 

Thus  many  leave  the  path,  but  few  return, 
To  mercy's  feet  and  past  offences  mourn, 
A  prodigal  may  here  and  there  bo  met, 
Who  sighs  for  home  and  names  it  with  regret ; 
And  tost  about,  the  sport  of  many  a  blast. 
Enters  the  haven  of  repose  at  last. 
'Twas  thus  Usebeus,  after  many  a  squall, 
On  life's  tempestuous  sea  retriev'd  his  fall ; 
But  e'er  his  wand'ring  soul  from  guilt  was  freed., 
A  thousand  conflicts  made  his  bosom  bleed 
With  racking  doubts  and  keen,  exquisite  smart, 
Fear  bodeing  glooms,  and  heaviness  of  heart. 
All  the  sweet  love  and  peace  that  once  he  knew, 
Long  lost,  now  rise  afresh  before  his  view, 
And  sting  him  with  his  misery  aud  fall, 
Reproach  his  guilt,  and  dash  his  cup  with  gall. 
To  him  no  charms  from  tasle  or  vision  flow, 
All  things  receive  the  colov^r  of  his  woe  ; 
So  the  fair  beauties  of  this  florid  ball, 
Are  lost,  when  gloomy  night  envelopes  all. 
The  setting  sun,  mild  walk,  inviting  glade, 
Cool  crystal  stream,  and  honey.suckle  shade, 
The  op'ning  morn,  fair  minister  of  light. 
The  blue  serene  of  star  bespangled  night, 


.■ 


CO 


THE     ItACKSLIDER. 


'4 


Possr-ss  no  more  the  happy  power  to  please. 

He  has  HO  pleasure  now  in  things  like  these. 

Not  a!l  the  joys  vain  worldly  minds  possess, 

Wit,  beauty,  riches,  company  or  dress, 

Can  to  Ills  mind  sweet  balmy  peace  impart, 

Or  calm  the  sad  disquiets  of  his  heart. 

For  now  deep  roused  from  his  awful  state, 

And  brought  to  tremble  on  the  brink  of  fate  ; 

lie  feels  a  thousand  fears  the  die  is  cast, 

He  views  a  thousand  calls  for  ever  past, 

He  mourns  a  thousand  pure  emotions  dead, 

A  thousand,  thousand,  golden  seasons  lied  ; 

These  pierce  the  soul,  and  on  the  conscience  frown, 

Like  hostile  bands  before  a  rebel  town, 

Whose  waving  bannerets  and  flashing  arms, 

Fill  every  breast  with  horror  and  alarms. 

While  Satan  all  his  goods  in  safety  kept, 
He  gaily  chatted  and  he  sweetly  slept, 
Nor  saw  the  awful  gulph  that  roU'd  beneath. 
Nor  fear'd  the  terrors  of  eternal  death. 
But  now  affliction  lifts  his  iron  mace,     •  • 
And  death  and  judgment  stare  him  in  the  face  ; 
No  hopes  on  earth,  nor  treasure  in  the  sky ^    .^ 
His  life  uncerta'.n,  but  alarm'd  to  die  : 
All  dark  within,  his  heart  a  very  stone, 
Nor  can  he  lift  a  wish  to  heaven's  throne* 
Woes  croud  on  woes,  and  fears  on  fears  rush  in, 
And  peace  lies  bleeding  at  the  feet  of  sin. 


THE   BACKSLIDEK. 


61 


own. 


ass 


So  one  awaking  from  serene  repose. 
Where  sleep  has  drawn  oblivion  o'er  his  woes, 
Display'd  a  richer  state,  and  sweeter  lot, 
WJtere  many  a  lovely  garden  grove  and  grot 
Rise  to  the  raptur'd  eye,  in  prospect  gay, 
Till  the  scene  fades,  evanishes  away  ; 
And  starting  up,  he  views  around  his  room, 
A  deeper  darkness  and  a  wilder  gloom. 

A  glimpse  of  light,  a  ray  of  hope  may  dart, 
Across  the  dark,  dark  dungeon  of  his  heart. 
Till  guilty  fears  and  keen  reflections  rise, 
Hence  every  new-born  hope;,within  him  dies  ; 
For  short  the  glimmering  star  of  grace  is  seen. 
And  long  and  sad,  the  intervals  between. 
Grace  still  allures  him,  and  designs  to  bless^ 
But  leads  him  thro'  a  thorny  wilderness, 
Gives  him  the  wormwood  and  the  gall  to  drink, 
And  brings  him  to,  and  shakes  him  o'er  the  brink 
Of  the  dark  gulf,  but  holds  him  in  her  hand. 
Then  plucks  him  from  perdition  like  a  brand : 
Hence  the  soft  buds  of  tear  wet  penitence, 
Spring  from  the  knowledge  of  his  past  offence ; 
But  from  that  knowledge  too,  reflections  flow, 
Which  give  the  deepest  colour  to  his  woe. 
Who  keeps  his  eye  on  the  bright  star  of  grace, 
May  peace  and  hope,  and  consolation  trace ; 

■     '  a        ■  ■ 


!: 


fi2 


THK    BACKSMDKft, 


f 


Hi: 


But  who  to  gloomy  unbelief  gives  scope, 

May  peri*:)!  exil'd  from  the  realms  of  hope.  ' 

Tho  life's  fair  tree  allure  him  to  draw  mar, 

lie  makes  a  flaming  cherub  of  his  fear, 

Afraid  to  venture,  yet  afraid  to  waif, 

Tho*  truth  invite, and  grace  expand  the  uate  • 

Tho»  richest  promises  his  pathway  strew. 

Thro*  the  deep  valley  of  severest  woe, 

Tho»  sweet  melodious  strains  of  goodness  sound, 

Tho*  pardoii  court  him,  and  tho*  peace  surrouady 

Tho»  writ  on  all  Jehovah*s  works  appears. 

Sweet  consolation  to  beguile  his  tears. 

Yet  still  Usebens  shivers  on  the  shore, 

Afraid  to  launch  away  and  God  adore. 

A  strong  emoCion  oft  impels  hm<  on. 

But  ah !  how  soon  th*  anspicious  g;ilc  is  gone  ! 

Ready  he  is  to  snatch  the  blissful  prize. 

Ready,  when  some  new  obstacles  arise  : 

So  the  long  absent,  eager  mariner. 

From  climes  of  commerce  or  the  walks  of  war, 

Keturning  to  his  native  shores  ^^gain, 

A  thirst  for  peace  and  weary  of  the  main, 

Sees  thro'  the  peering  glass  his  port  at  last. 

And  deems  his  stormy  toils  for  ever  past. 

Anticipates  with  joy  his  future  lot, 

His  wife,  babes,  parents,  friends,  and  little  cot ; 

But  soon  the  vision  flies,  the  bliss  is  o'er, 

A  gale  sets  in  aod  blows  him  from  the  shore, 


Si 


'■^MtiWMka^piMpi 


r\ 


F 


*.,__«,.  ^  .„»._,  ,^.,, .^— .».. 


TIIK    nAlKSriDI.Il. 


63 


Th.^k  mists  descenc!,  the  poit  he  seeks  in  vain, 
Drove  (leviijus  on  the  \\id*i  wave  swelliug  umin. 

Se#»  mercy  point  to  tlu»  atoning  bloaj, 
But  Satan  rolls  upon  him  as  a  Hood  5 
A  roaring  lioii  on  his  path  he  steals, 
Or  as  a  furious  adder  bites  his  heels, 
Now  like  a  w ily  t')K  his  art  he  plies, 
With  I'raudful  speeches  and  with  glozing  hVs, 
Next  in  the  creeping  snake  he  ac(s  his  part, 
Winding  his  sophistry  around  the  heart, 
Then  artful  to  deceive,  by  seeming  right, 
He  wears  angelic  robes  of  spotless  light. 
But  should  the  soul  repel  his  subtle  snares, 
A  dragon  fierce,  the  lyin?  monster  clarcs. 
And  threatens  horribly  to  swallow  up, 
All  who  reject  his  soul-bewitching  cup. 
But  all  his  Miles  are  ineffectual,  where 
The  soul  is  screen'd  by  agonizing  prajer  • 
Each  moment  sees  the  wily  fiend  subdu'd. 
And  now  Usebeus  feels  his  strength  renew 'd  • 
Firm  confidence  returns,  and  hopes  ari^c 
Which  warm  his  heart,  and  lift  it  to  the  skies  • 
The  brooding  horrors  of  his  conscience  cease. 
And  all  within  is  sweetness,  love  and  peace  • 
The  Saviour's  voice  has  calm'd  the  raging  tide 
And  bid  the  winds  be  still,  the  waves  subside  ; 
Pride,  wrath,  concupisence,  each  moral  pest, 
Uesigu  their  empire,  abdicate  his  breast. 


I 


I 


64 


THE    BACKSLIDER. 


There  stands  a  limit, — now  sin  cannot  pass, 
The  wall  of  faith  is  mightier  far  than  brass  ; 
Faith  can  the  moral  turpitude  repel, 
That  fills  the  city,  palace,  cottage,  cell, 
Tlu*  power  of  faith,  sins  empire  can  controul. 
The  power  of  faith,  the  bulwark  of  the  no\\\. 


THg  two.. 


*  r  i     ; 


J.  Johns,  Printer, 
St.  Aubyn-Street,  Dock. 


\3 


I 


■ 


"'"*W"*"^'*^* 


[>'o 


The  WpBt  of  thk  P6«|i  Atw  in  the  Pf«w, 
sad  will  speedilfpublidh 

THlRTEiN  YEARS  MISSION 

'    ■  .'.■•'   ■'-'  '■     -'^ ' 

and  tke  S<0^s  I^md^; 

A  ]ViISSldN4*Ry  TOUR 

TO  THE     ,/■  • 

S^  ]L A M E S ■  OF,.   ; A.H4 B Ai 


•V<  -I 


Ml 


I       "'< 


■y 


i« 


TUJE :  umsioNr 


In  'tii«  ^j0f©--.  tV^fc  .ffttc^i  Iafe*ma4ion  will    li^; 

Hints  aoa  o?igitia|  A#cao«es|  1  He  Whofetpr  «i^  a 
Manual  of  Hisj^iift|^  Iftfoipda^ott,  eoUecteu  row 
ActlilA  0b«^«So^j  l&safOed  to  efitertdn  th^>.ri^ 

tiAiH  and  dist  atitf  eaij*r-   "^   ^^^^^'^^  m;^^...^ 


tfe«  faitWoi  Mi&si^ 


^  caodJiKpej       iiimg  m  octavo  Voi»to«;  emlK^M  sh«d  Mj 


IjiM 


